May 19, 2025, 1:20 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Google is permanently deleting Gmail accounts that have been inactive for a long time. To avoid losing their account, users need to take action.
Some people have multiple email addresses with different providers. These often serve various access purposes. However, it’s important to log into the account occasionally. This prevents the risk of a provider deleting an account due to inactivity and making the username available for others to register. Google had already announced such a cleanup action in 2023. Since then, Google reserves the right to simply delete inactive Gmail accounts.
Google Deletes Inactive Gmail Accounts
Many online services require regular logins. X (formerly Twitter), for example, requires a login every 30 days to keep an account active. Otherwise, the provider reserves the right to remove an account due to prolonged inactivity.
Such a login requirement did not exist at Google until the change at the end of 2023. Since then, users who have not logged into their Gmail account at least once in the past two years have received reminders to do so. According to Google, the reminder was sent not only to the mentioned Gmail address but also to the recovery account on file, if one was provided.
If no login occurs, Google deletes the corresponding Gmail account and associated accesses like Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Photos. The email address is then made available to other users. The policy applies only to private Google accounts and does not affect accounts from organizations such as schools or businesses. Additionally, Google emphasizes that there are currently no plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos.
Long Unused Accounts Unprotected
Google cites security as the reason for the newly introduced login requirement for Gmail and deletion upon non-login. According to Google, an analysis revealed that many accounts that have not been used for a long time are not adequately protected. For example, two-factor authentication is missing, and often insecure passwords are used. Many of these accounts are, therefore, vulnerable to hacking and identity theft.
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How to Keep Gmail Accounts Active
Google describes several ways to keep an account active to avoid deletion. This includes not only logging in at least once within two years. Google also recognizes the use of the following services, most of which require the aforementioned login:
- Reading or sending an email
- Using Google Drive
- Watching a YouTube video
- Downloading an app from the Google Play Store
- Using Google Search
- Signing in with Google to access a third-party app or service
- Using a subscription set up through the Google account