Delete Your Google Account: Complete Guide

Introduction

A Google account is linked to many services: Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Photos and more. In this guide we explain how to delete your account and which alternatives are available.

What gets deleted?

Email and communication

• Gmail: All emails, contacts and calendar items
• Google Chat and Meet: Chat history and meetings

Storage and files

• Google Drive: All documents and files
• Google Photos: Your entire photo library
• Google Keep: Notes and lists

Entertainment

• YouTube: Your channel, videos, playlists
• Google Play: Purchased apps, movies, books

First download your data with Google Takeout

1. Go to takeout.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Select which products you want to export
4. Click Next step
5. Choose the file type and delivery method
6. Click Create export
7. Download the files through the email you receive

Deleting your account

1. Go to myaccount.google.com
2. Sign in with the account you want to delete
3. Click Data & privacy
4. Scroll to More options and click Delete your Google Account
5. Read the overview of what will be deleted
6. Check the confirmation boxes
7. Click Delete Account

Recovery period

Google offers a recovery period of 2 to 3 weeks. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery to recover your account.

Alternative: Delete only certain services

1. Go to myaccount.google.com
2. Click Data & privacy
3. Click Delete a Google service
4. Select the service you want to delete

You can delete Gmail, YouTube, Google Play or other services separately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my Gmail address?

No, Gmail is tied to your Google account. If you delete the account, your Gmail disappears as well.

What happens to purchased apps and movies?

All purchases made through Google Play become inaccessible. You will not get a refund.

Can someone else use my Gmail address?

After deletion, your email address may become available again, but Google gives no guarantees about this.

How long does deletion take?

It can take up to 60 days before all data has been removed from all servers.