Google starts deleting inactive Gmail accounts in 2023
Google warns users about inactive Gmail account deletions
Google has begun the process of deleting inactive Gmail accounts, alerting users who may be impacted.
At the end of 2023, Google announced plans to remove Gmail accounts that haven’t been active for over two years.
An account is deemed inactive if users haven’t logged into any of Google’s services such as Gmail or Google Photos.
🚨Heads up: Google is deleting inactive Gmail accounts!
Google says that old abandoned accounts are "at least 10x less likely than active accounts to have 2-step verification set up.
Meaning, these accounts are often vulnerable, and once an account is compromised, it can be used…— Liron Segev is TheTechieGuy (@Liron_Segev) September 9, 2024
Ruth Kricheli, Google’s VP of Product Management, highlighted last year, “If an account remains unused for a long time, it becomes more susceptible to being compromised.”
She further explained that these actions are essential to “protect our users from security threats like spam, phishing scams, and account hijacking.”
Google’s internal analysis indicated that older accounts are more prone to being compromised due to outdated or reused passwords and are ten times less likely to have two-factor authentication enabled.
“These accounts are often at risk, and once compromised, they can be exploited for identity theft or as a source of unwanted or malicious content like spam,” Kricheli stated.
Google is sending warning emails to users before deleting their accounts.
Davey Winder, a reporter, mentioned receiving a warning in January that an account he hadn’t used in eight months would be deleted on 20 September unless action was taken.
Although Google encourages users to check dormant accounts for similar warnings, those wanting to keep their accounts active can follow three simple steps.
Firstly, reading or sending an email flags the account as active. A quick email to a friend can suffice.
Secondly, sharing a photo or watching a YouTube video while signed into the account helps.
Lastly, using Google Drive or Google Search while logged in shows activity. Any minor interaction with Google products keeps the account active.
According to Forbes, performing any of these actions at least once a year should prevent the account from being deleted.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Forbes reports that Google is deleting inactive Gmail accounts, requiring users to take three steps to keep their accounts active, emphasizing the importance of regular account usage to avoid deletion.(read more)
- Liverpool Echo highlights Google’s warning to Gmail users about inactive accounts, emphasizing the vulnerability of unused accounts and Google’s policy to delete them after two years.(read more)
- Warning issued to Gmail users as Google set to delete thousands of accounts
Google is updating its inactive accounts policy to reduce security threats, such as spam and phishing scams. Accounts inactive for two years or more will be deleted, starting from December 2023. Users are warned to sign in at least once every two years to keep their accounts active and safe from deletion.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Google deleting inactive Gmail accounts?
To protect users from security threats like spam, phishing scams, and account hijacking.
How long does an account need to be inactive to be deleted?
More than two years.
What can I do to keep my Gmail account active?
Read/send an email, share a photo, watch a YouTube video, or use Google Drive/Search.
Will Google warn me before deleting my account?
Yes, Google sends warning emails to users before deletion.
How often should I use my account to prevent deletion?
At least once a year.
