Gmail will delete thousands of accounts on December 1: here's how to avoid losing your personal data

But don't panic, it's not too late to avoid this deletion. Here's how to protect your account and back up your data.

Winter cleaning in Gmail accounts: why this deletion?

From December 1, Google will perform spring cleaning on inactive Gmail accounts.

All inactive profiles will have their account irreversibly deleted, as well as all data related to Google Workspace: Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Meet, Google Agenda et Google Photos.

This measure, although radical, is essential to enhance user security. Indeed, inactive accounts, often not updated, are prime targets for cyberattacks. Leaving them on the platform exposes users to the risk of personal data leaks.

How to prevent your Gmail account from being deleted?

There are several quick and easy ways to keep your account active before December 1st. Here are the actions to take to prevent your data from being deleted:

• Send an email via Gmail : Open your account and simply send a message.
• Do a Google search while logged in : Perform a search, even a simple one, to prove your business.
• Watch a YouTube video : Log in to your account and watch a video.
• Use Google Drive : Save or delete files to activate your account.
• Install an app via Google Play Store : Download and install an app to prove your usage.

So many simple, quick and effective actions that will prevent you from deleting your Gmail account.