Beginning September 20, 2024, Google will enforce a new policy leading to the deletion of inactive Gmail accounts. Gmail, one of the world’s largest email services with over 1.5 billion users, will implement this policy to optimize server management and remove unused accounts.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new policy will apply to personal Google accounts that have not been active for two years. Inactivity is defined as not logging into the account or using any of Google’s services tied to the account, such as Gmail, Google Drive, or YouTube. Importantly, this policy does not extend to work, school, or other institutional accounts.
How to Keep Your Gmail Account Active
To avoid permanent deletion, users can easily maintain their account’s active status by performing any of the following actions:
- Send or Read an Email: Logging into Gmail and engaging in email activity will keep your account active.
- Share a Photo via Google Photos: Uploading or sharing a photo ensures Google recognizes your account as active.
- Watch a YouTube Video: Viewing a YouTube video while signed in to your Gmail account is considered activity.
- Use Google Drive or Search: Accessing Google Drive or performing a search while signed in can help avoid deletion.
The Importance of Staying Engaged
Google’s new policy serves as a reminder for users to regularly engage with their Gmail and associated services. For those managing multiple or secondary accounts, it is essential to ensure each account remains active. Failure to do so could lead to the permanent loss of emails, photos, and other important data.
This change is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to manage its vast user base and enhance server efficiency. By performing a few simple tasks, users can avoid the inconvenience of losing their accounts under this new policy.
