Learning how to delete a Gmail account is easy. Whether you’re trying to drop an old embarrassing email ID or cut off a compromised account we can show you how.
Before we begin, please note that deleting a Gmail account is irreversible. If you’d like to be forewarned and forearmed, head to things to consider before deleting your account section.
This article covers:
Desktop
Step 1: Go to your Google Account and click on Data & Privacy in the menu.
Navigate to Data & Privacy and click it. Source
Step 2: Scroll to Data from apps and services you use and click on pps and services.
Select Apps and services. Source
Step 3: Click on Download your data if you want a backup of your Gmail account.
Download your account data. Source
Step 4: Select the data you want to export and choose a file type.
Step 5: Click on Create Export to download your data.
Step 6: Select Delete a service and sign in with the Gmail account you want to delete.
Enter your account details after selecting Delete a service. Source
Step 7: Click on the Bin icon next to Gmail.
Step 8: Enter an existing email address to continue using other Google services.
Step 9: Click the verification link sent to the email address.
Verify your choice by clicking the link. Source
Step 10: Tick the box saying Yes, I want to delete my Gmail account.
Delete your account by selecting the tick box. Source
Step 11: Click on the Delete Gmail button to confirm.
iPhone
Deleting a Gmail account from an iPhone is a simple process.
Step 1: Tap on Settings from the home screen.
Step 2: Scroll down to Passwords and Accounts.
Go to Passwords & Accounts. Source
Step 3: Tap on Gmail.
Select Gmail from Accounts. Source
Step 4: Tap on Delete Account.
Select Delete Account. Source
Step 5: Confirm your choice by tapping Delete from My iPhone.
Android
Here’s a simple eight-step process that covers how to delete a Gmail account on Android.
Step 1: Open the Settings on your Android device and go to Google Settings.
Step 2: Select Manage your Google Account.
Step 3: Tap on Data & Privacy and scroll to Data from apps and services you use.
In your Google settings, tap on Manage your Google Account and choose Data & personalization. Source
Step 4: Select Delete a Google service and sign in with the Gmail account you want to erase.
Select Delete a Google service. Source
Step 5: Next to Gmail, tap on Delete and enter an existing email address.
Step 6: Send the verification email and log in to your other email account.
Step 7: Click on the verification link in the email from Google.
Step 8: Select Yes, I want to delete my Gmail account and tap on Delete Gmail to erase it from your Android device.
Things To Consider Before Deleting
You might be thinking, “Where will the emails sent to my deleted ID go?”
The sender will receive a delivery failure message every time they send you an email (or to any email address that no longer exists). Your best bet would be to share an alternative email ID with your professional contacts.
Before deleting your Gmail account, here are five more things that you should consider first:
1. Deleting Your Gmail Account Is Irreversible
Like an arrow leaving a bow, there’s no coming back from deleting your account. Once you commit, your email ID, emails and account data will disappear. You also won’t be able to send or receive emails using the same Gmail ID. You or anyone else can’t use the same ID in the future.
2. You Might Lose Access To Other Accounts
Chances are, you used your Gmail ID to sign in or register for several apps and services, such as a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription. Deleting your account may remove access to these platforms forever.
3. There’s No Option To Reset Passwords
If you can’t remember the password to any account created using your Gmail account, consider them gone. Without the original Gmail account, you won’t be able to request or retrieve forgotten passwords.
4. Download Your Emails if You’d Like a Backup
You can download or export a copy of your emails using an email program or through Google Takeout. If you’re using IMAP, it will only save locally stored emails on your system. Anything saved on the server or in a folder you’ve synchronized with the Gmail account will disappear once you delete your Gmail account.
FAQs
Does deleting my account impact other Google services?
Before you delete a Gmail account, you should know this action will affect access to other linked Google services. It’ll disable access to G-Suite services like Google Calendar, YouTube and Google Drive. It’s important to note that deletion is permanent and separates those services from the deleted Gmail address.
Are there any alternatives to deleting my Gmail account?
You can always disable Gmail within Google account settings without deleting the account. Doing so will let you stop using Gmail while retaining access to other Google services.
What are the legal implications of deleting an account?
Google’s Terms and Conditions allow for account suspension or deletion for inactivity or policy violations. Industry standards support service providers like Google in managing accounts for inactivity or policy violations. Deletion of an account raises issues regarding digital consumer rights and service providers’ responsibilities in processing personal data.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve covered everything you wanted to know about deleting your Gmail account. Now you can easily get rid of the accounts you no longer need.
Did this article help you learn how to delete your Gmail account? Is there anything we missed? Tell us in the comment section below!
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