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When Does Your Gmail Account Expire?
Google no longer deletes inactive Gmail accounts
By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 17, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Gmail Yahoo! Mail As of June 2021, Google may delete content in Gmail accounts that have become inactive. Your Gmail account is considered inactive when you haven't accessed it for more than 24 months (two years). If your account becomes inactive, you could lose the data that you stored in Gmail, such as messages, files, pictures, and videos. Still, you won't lose the account. Gmail Account Deletion Policy History
In years past, you could keep your Gmail account as long as you used it in a sensible manner. You had to use it, though. Google automatically deleted Gmail accounts after nine months of inactivity. Not only were the folders, messages, and labels deleted, the account's email address was also deleted. Nobody, not even the original owner, could set up a new Gmail account with the same address. The delete process was irreversible. fotog / Getty Images Google received widespread criticism when a large number of users reported their inactive accounts were deleted without warning, giving them no time to back up their data. This public relations concern may have contributed to the change in policy. Now, accounts are not deleted, and users are notified before their accounts are labeled inactive. Also, they are given a longer time span of inactivity before Google deletes all content. How to Keep Your Account Active
To keep your Gmail account active, log in to your email account once in a while. Log in and view your emails at least once a year (or more often to be on the safe side). You can send an email, delete an email, or perform any task while logged in to Gmail for it to remain an "active" account. Just make sure you're online when you log in. If your Gmail account disappears, promptly contact Gmail support for help. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find Out Who (or What) Is Accessing Your Gmail How to Fix It When You're Locked Out of Your Gmail Account How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password How to Check Your Google Storage Quota How to Retrieve Archived Emails in Gmail How to Forward Windows Live Hotmail to Gmail How to Access Free Windows Mail in Gmail How to Create a Gmail Alias How to Add A Picture To Your Gmail Profile How to Change Your Gmail Signature How to Delete Your Gmail Account How to Share Access to Your Gmail Account How to Remove a Gmail Account From Your Android Device How to Use Gmail: Get Started With Your New Account What to Know About Instagram Inactive or Deleted Account Policies How to Import AOL Messages and Contacts Into Gmail Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies