Google’s updated inactive account policy, announced in May, could lead to the deletion of accounts that haven’t been used in at least two years, starting Friday. The move is attributed to security concerns, as long-unused accounts are more prone to compromise.
To prevent deletion, users should sign in at least once every two years or engage in various account activities. Exceptions include accounts for organizations, those managing active minor accounts, and accounts with ongoing subscriptions. Google provides tools like Takeout for data export and the Inactive Account Manager to manage account inactivity.
Google is deleting inactive accounts, attributing this action to security concerns in its May announcement. The company emphasizes that accounts left unused for an extended period, often characterized as “forgotten or unattended,” are at a higher risk of compromise. These accounts typically have outdated passwords, lack two-factor authentication, and undergo fewer security checks, making them susceptible to hijacking for spam, malicious activities, and identity theft.
The most straightforward method to maintain the activity of Google account (and prevent deletion) is to sign in at least once every two years. Other activities that satisfy account activity requirements include sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search, and watching YouTube videos all while signed into your Google account.
Apart from keeping your Google account active, there are tools to assist in managing and backing up your data. Google Takeout, for instance, enables users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time.
Google’s online policy also mentions the company’s ability to work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content, without sharing login credentials, on a case-by-case basis.