Google is one of the most popular email providers, with around 1.8 billion Gmail users. Recently, Google started deleting inactive Gmail accounts, which has caused concern among users. However, not everyone needs to worry about this, as only accounts that have been inactive for two years are at risk. In this guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about Inactive Google Account Policy and how to prevent your Gmail, Photos, and Docs from being deleted. Additionally, we’ll show you how to manage multiple Gmail accounts on a single device easily.
What is Inactive Google Account Policy?
Google’s new policy targets accounts that have not been used for two years or more. If an account remains inactive for this period, Google can delete both the account and its content, such as emails, photos, and files stored in Google Drive. This policy was put in place to enhance security and reduce the risk of older, unused accounts being hacked.
Why Does Google Delete Inactive Accounts?
There are two main reasons behind this policy:
- Security Risks: Older, inactive accounts are more vulnerable to being hacked because they often lack strong passwords or two-factor authentication (2FA). Google’s analysis shows that inactive accounts are 10 times more likely to lack these security features, making them easier targets for hackers.
- Data Storage: Another likely reason is the cost of storing data from unused accounts. Deleting inactive accounts helps Google manage its storage more efficiently.
How to Keep Your Gmail Account Safe from Deletion
If you’re worried about your Gmail, Photos, and Docs being deleted, don’t panic. You can follow these simple steps to make sure your account stays active and safe:
- Use Your Account Regularly: Make sure you’re using your Gmail account at least once every two years. This can be as simple as sending or receiving an email, sharing a photo, or using Google Drive to save or access a file.
- Complete a Google Account Security Check-Up: It’s important to regularly check the security settings of your account. Make sure your password is strong, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection. You can do this through Google’s security check-up feature.
- Stay Active on Any Device: Google’s inactivity policy applies to the account, not the device. This means you can keep your account active from any device, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or computer.
Managing Multiple Gmail Accounts on One Device
Many people have multiple Gmail accounts, either for personal use, work, or storing files. Managing and switching between these accounts on one device is easy. Here’s how you can do it:
- Click on Your Avatar: When you’re using any Google service, like Gmail or Google Drive, you’ll see your avatar (profile picture) in the top-right corner. Click on it to manage your accounts.
- Add an Account: After clicking on your avatar, you’ll see an option to “Add Account.” Click on it and sign in with your other Gmail account.
- Complete Two-Factor Authentication: If you’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for the account, you’ll need to complete it. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Switch Between Accounts: Once you’ve added multiple accounts, switching between them is easy. Just click on your avatar again, and you’ll see a list of your Gmail accounts. Select the one you want to use, and you’re good to go!
Keep Your Multiple Gmail Accounts Secure
If you’re using multiple Gmail accounts, it’s important to keep them secure. Since all your accounts will stay signed in when added, anyone with access to your device can also access your Gmail accounts. To avoid this, consider signing out of all your accounts when you’re not using them. This way, anyone trying to access your account will need to enter your credentials and complete two-factor authentication.
For extra security, you can use passkeys, which allow you to unlock your accounts using your fingerprint or facial scan. This method is quick and keeps your accounts secure at the same time.
