Google will start deleting unused accounts soon - here’s how to save your files

Using Google Takeout to save those old vacation photos

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

● A desktop browser● A Google account● Internet connection

Beginning December 1,Googlewill be deleting accounts that haven’t seen any activity or logins for at least two years.

This purging was initiallyannounced back in May 2023as part of an effort to mitigate  threats to users like “spam, phishing scams, and account hijacking.” Dormant accounts lack the same level of protection compared to profiles that are frequently updated.Googlebelieves the best course of action to maintain security is to get rid of dormant and inactive profiles.

Mass deletion won’t happen all at once.Google explainsit will start “with accounts that were created but never accessed again.” The company will send out notifications to users in the months “leading up to deletion” before making a move.

Keep in mind this purge will throw out everything you have, including photographs, emails, and documents. You can save your files just by logging into the old profile, however, you will sign in every two years moving forward or risk deletion. Fortunately, there is a way to move your files to another location where they can be kept safe permanently, allowing Google to freely delete your old account at a later time.

Quick steps for how to save your files from deletion

Step by step guide detailing how to save your Google files from deletion

The method we just showed you is the more straightforward path. The tech giant does allow people to export their content onto another Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive storage space. We recommend linking your main Google account to any of these services for easier transfer. BothMicrosoftandDropboxexplain how to do this on their respective help pages. You can check ourHow-to guide on Google Driveto learn how to do the same on the first-party service.

When you’re all finished, feel free to leave the account alone and Google will delete it at a later time. Or you can speed up the process by informing the company via theInactive Account Manager.

If you’re looking for alternatives, check out TechRadar’s list of thebest photo storage sites for 2023.

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Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry for several years now specializing in consumer electronics, entertainment devices, Windows, and the gaming industry. But he’s also passionate about smartphones, GPUs, and cybersecurity.

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