Google to delete Gmail accounts in 3 months

Between now and 1ᵉʳ December, Google will begin deleting certain Gmail accounts. Wondering if you are affected and how to avoid this? We have the answers.

This announcement caused concern among users. Back in May, Google issued a warning: from 1ᵉʳ December, certain Gmail accounts and all their associated data would be deleted. This includes not only emails, but also Docs or Drive documents, the calendar and photos from Google Photos for accounts linked to Google Drive.

However, it is important to note that not all Gmail accounts are affected. Here's what you need to know to avoid this deletion.

Monitoring inactive accounts

This measure is the result of a change in Google's policy regarding accounts considered "inactive", i.e. those that have not been used for two years. Consequently, accounts that are regularly used are not at risk.

On the face of it, there's no need to panic. However, secondary accounts that do not require frequent connection, that may store old data or that have been used to subscribe to newsletters are potentially affected.

Google will not be deleting accounts without first notifying the user. The Mountain View-based company has announced that it will start by deleting accounts that have never been used. Unfortunately, once an account has been deleted, it is no longer possible to reuse the same identifier to create a new one. Google is therefore urging its users to be extremely vigilant.

Nevertheless, an inactive account can be preserved thanks to an alert sent to a recovery address previously defined when the account was created.

Very accessible paths to follow

The best way to safeguard your account is to log in at least once every two years. Another solution is to link any subscription to your account to keep it active.

Other ways are also available, such as using Google Drive, watching videos on YouTube and carrying out Google searches with your account. You can also download an application from the Google Play Store.

In short, it's a good idea to check and, if necessary, update your Gmail account. This will enhance its security and could also be an opportunity to sort through certain documents.