Google’s popularity is undisputed. It’s by far the most popular search engine, and its email service, Gmail, is used by an estimated 1.5 billion people around the world. It also owns and operates YouTube and FitBit, and its Android OS is the world’s most popular mobile OS.
You could argue that Google is indispensable to a modern, connected life. And yet, there are many reasons you’d want to disconnect from Google and delete your Google account. For example, Google makes money by collecting data about you and targeting ads at you based on this information. Using the products of Google—one of four Big Tech companies—lessens your personal privacy.
The good news is that it’s possible to delete your Google account permanently. In fact, it’s pretty straightforward, so join us as we guide you through how to delete your Google account from the internet forever.
Difference between deleting a Google account and removing the app
Removing the Google app only removes it from your device. The account is still active and is accessible from other devices. You can also freely add Google back onto the device.
Deleting a Google account, however, means you’ll be wiping it off Google servers. Anything and everything associated with your Google account will be lost, including Gmail, your YouTube profile, photos, documents, and more.
How to delete your Google account
There are two methods you can use to permanently delete your Google account.
Method 1
- Go to myaccount.google.com to access your Google account.
- Select Data & privacy.
- Scroll to “Your data & privacy options.”
- Select More options > Delete your Google Account.
- Follow the instructions to delete your account.
These steps work with any browser on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
Method 2
- Open up any Google app on your device or browser. This includes YouTube, Gmail, etc.
- Tap/click your Google account’s profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap/click Google Account or Manage your Google Account. The phrase will differ depending on device, app, and OS.
- Tap/click Data & privacy and scroll down to More options.
- Tap/click Delete your Google Account.
- Enter your Google account password and follow the instructions to permanently delete your account.
5 things to consider before deleting your Google account
This is a big decision you’re about to make, so keep these five things in mind before hitting that delete button.
1) Make a backup of all your important files
If you have any files on your Google account that you deem too important to permanently delete, be sure to make backups.
2) You will lose your search history and YouTube account
Both of these are tied to your Google account. Once that account is deleted, you’ll no longer have access to any YouTube accounts associated with your Google account, nor your browser history.
3) Your Gmail will also be deleted
Your Gmail account is tied directly to your Google account. Once you’ve deleted your Google account, your Gmail inbox will close and all emails will be deleted. If anyone tries to send an email to the address you’ve just deleted, the email will bounce back.
4) You will lose access to third-party services associated with your Gmail account
Any services, websites, or apps you’ve signed up for using your Gmail account will be inaccessible unless you’ve updated these accounts to a different email address.
5) It is possible to recover your deleted Google account
There is a chance you can restore your Google account. Just be aware that Google doesn’t say how long you have to recover your account after deleting it, so you’ll need to act quickly to get your account back. To recover your Google account:
- Go to the official Google account recovery page.
- Enter your Google account email address and click Next.
- Enter your Google account password and click Next.
If successful, you’ll see a message stating that your account has been successfully recovered.
FAQs: About deleting your Google account
Does Google delete inactive accounts?
As of June 1, 2021, Google states that they will delete data from any Google accounts that have been inactive for two years. This policy went into effect on June 1, 2021, so an account would have to be inactive from that date until June 1, 2023 to be at risk of deletion.
The data that will be deleted from these inactive accounts includes anything stored in Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Jamboard, Gmail, Photos, Forms, and Sites. To avoid Google from deactivating your account, periodically use Google services such as Gmail or Google Drive.
Will deleting a Google business account delete reviews?
Deleting your Google business account means you’ll no longer have access to your Google My Business dashboard. All data and any reviews you’ve submitted will be deleted as a result.
How do I delete contacts from my Google account?
To delete contacts from your Google account, simply:
1) Go to contacts.google.com
2) Select the contacts you want to delete by checking the box next to the contact’s name. You can select multiple or all contacts at the same time.
3) At the top, click More > Delete > Delete. Deleted contacts will go to Trash, and will be permanently deleted after 30 days.
What will happen if I delete my Google Pay account?
Deleting a Google Pay account will result in the deletion of any virtual account numbers for credit or debit cards and third-party linked accounts, any loyalty and gift cards, transactions with virtual account numbers, any Google Pay transactions for goods and services on non-Google apps and websites, searches in the Google Pay app, orders made via the Google Pay app, and more.
Take back control of your privacy
30-day money-back guarantee
Comments
Let’s say you want to delete your Google account but still want to use Android, YouTube, etc… Is it possible to create a whole new Google account anonymously? It’s been so long since I created my account I don’t remember what they ask for verification.
my sentiments exactly, its been a very interesting few months , what I LEARNED you are forced to pick a side chrome and its services or firefox bottom line its a nightmare to operate with both , sad to say .