Google announced recently that all dormant Gmail accounts will be deleted if its services such as Google Drive, Google Photos, and Gmail isn’t used for the duration of (2) years.
This notice was sent out to all users to inform them that all contents will be deleted from Google’s server once an account is considered dormant. This policy will be effected on June 1, 2021, and will be imposed on June 1, 2023.
Additionally, if the user’s space usage surpasses the storage space limit which is 15GB for 2 consecutive years, Google can decide to delete all contents belonging to the user in Gmail, Drive, and Photos.
Basically, users have two instructions to adhere to, namely;
- Do not leave your Gmail account dormant for two years.
- Do not surpass Google’s storage space limit
HOW TO KEEP YOUR GOOGLE ACCOUNTS ACTIVE
As stated on the notice released by Google, the services concerned are Google Photos, Gmail, and Google Drive (including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, Forms, and Jamboard files) all of which are indispensable meaning they need server space to keep data.
According to the current Google quota policy, each Google account has 15GB of free storage space. Users can obtain Google One membership by purchasing it to increase their space quota if they need more storage space.
To keep your account active, you need to frequently access the services stated above through the web or the app. Google also stated that after June 1, 2021, if users have services that are inactive or surpass the upper limit, Google will send email reminders and notifications before time.
In case any of the services mentioned above are considered inactive or the usage goes past the limit and the content is removed, users can still log in to these services. This policy will not in any way affect users of Google Workspace, G Suite Education Edition, and G Suite Non-profit Edition.
