Google Is Deleting Inactive Accounts—Here’s How to Prevent Losing Your Data

Google has recently warned that some accounts, including Gmail and Google Photos, will be deleted if they remain inactive for more than two years.

This change is part of Google’s new policy to enhance security and remove unused accounts. If you don’t want your Google account and its data to be deleted, here’s what you need to do before April 3, 2025.

Why Is Google Deleting Accounts?

Google has introduced this policy to protect user privacy and security. According to the company, accounts that have been inactive for long periods are more likely to be compromised.

Google wants to reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to abandoned accounts, which often don’t have extra security measures like two-factor authentication.

Which Accounts Are Affected?

This policy only affects personal Google accounts, not those associated with businesses or schools. If your Google account hasn’t been used for activities like signing in, sending emails, using Google Drive, or watching videos on YouTube in the past two years, it could be at risk.

How to Prevent Your Account from Being Deleted

The solution is simple: use your account. To keep your account active, sign in, send an email, share a photo, or watch a video. Even just logging into your account is enough to keep it safe from deletion.

If you have several Google accounts, you can easily manage them by signing into multiple accounts on one device. Google allows you to switch between accounts with ease, ensuring you don’t miss any activity.

What Will Be Deleted?

If your account is deleted, all the data linked to it—such as Gmail messages, Google Photos, and Google Drive files—will be gone. Make sure to back up important data before it’s too late.

To avoid losing your Google data, simply log in to your account before April 3, 2025. For those with multiple accounts, it’s a good idea to check each one and ensure it’s still active.