How to Delete a Gmail Account (with Photos)

If you have one too many email accounts, it may be time to downsize. Keep reading to learn the super simple steps to delete a Gmail account.

What Happens When You Delete a Gmail Account?

Deleting a Gmail account permanently erases all emails and account settings. The account will not be available for correspondence, nor will the email address be made available for future use. The Google account attached to the Gmail address will remain, but Google will require the provided alternate email address for all future logins.

The full process takes around 2 months to finalize, including a month-long recovery period. If you change your mind during this time, there is a chance you can still recover your Gmail account and data for a short while. However, recovery is not guaranteed, so be sure you are truly finished with an account before deleting it.

How to Delete a Gmail Account

Step 1. Sign in to Gmail.

Sign in to the Gmail account you want to delete.

Step 2. Open Google Apps.

Look for a grid icon in the upper right corner. Click on it to open a drop-down menu. On the first row to the left, you’ll see Account. Click on it and it will open a new page with your Google Account settings.

Step 3. Select Data & Privacy.

Look for the Data & Privacy option on the left sidebar menu and click on it.

Step 4. Click Data from apps and services you use.

It will be under Your data and privacy options near the lower middle of the screen.

Step 5. Click Delete a Google service.

Look for the Download or delete your data box and it should be the second option down. Google may prompt you to sign in again for verification purposes.

Step 6. Delete Gmail.

On the Delete a Google service page, you’ll see all active Google services for your chosen account. Look for Gmail, then hit the delete button beside it (it’s the small trash can icon).

Step 7. Enter an alternate email address.

Google will ask for an alternate email address, but it has to be a non-Gmail address. Be sure to use one you have access to, as you will have to confirm account deletion through the alternate email provided.

Click Send Verification Email once you’re done.

Step 8. Sign in to the alternate email, find the email from Google, and click on the deletion link.

Sign in to the alternate email you entered in the step above. Once you’ve located the email from Google, click on the link to finalize the deletion process. Google may prompt you to log in to the Gmail account you are trying to delete.

Step 10. Confirm deletion.

Select Yes, I want to delete [email protected]. Click Delete Gmail one more time, and then Done.

A tedious process, but you’re finished!

For those that use Gmail through work or school, you’ll need to contact your administrator. The administrator of the account is the only one who can delete it.

In this video from CyberNews, Mike Vaughn explains how to delete a Gmail account on desktop, Android, and iPhone.

Final Thoughts

Deleting a Gmail account only takes a few minutes and can be a massive weight off your shoulders in the end! Remember that deleting your Gmail account means you will lose all access, and it’s not guaranteed you’ll be able to recover your account within the first month after deletion, so be sure you’re absolutely certain you want to delete it.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©In Green/Shutterstock.com.