Steps to Permanently Delete Your Gmail Account

Permanently deleting your Gmail account is a significant step, as it will erase all your emails and settings permanently. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Permanently Delete Your Gmail Account

Before You Begin

1. Backup Your Data

   • It’s highly recommended to download your data before deleting your Gmail account. You can use Google Takeout to do this. Visit Google Takeout and follow the instructions to export your data.

2. Notify Contacts

   • Inform your contacts that your Gmail account will no longer be active and provide them with an alternative email address.

Deleting Your Gmail Account

On a Computer

1. Sign In to Your Google Account

   • Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your Gmail account credentials.

2. Access Data & Privacy Settings

   • On the left sidebar, click on “Data & privacy.”

3. Delete a Google Service

   • Scroll down to the "Data from apps and services you use" section.
   • Click on “Delete a Google service.” You might need to enter your password again for verification.

4. Find Gmail and Click the Trash Icon

   • You will see a list of Google services associated with your account. Find “Gmail” and click on the trash can icon next to it.

5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions

   • Google will ask you to provide a non-Gmail email address to continue using other Google services (such as Google Drive or YouTube).
   • Enter the email address and click “Send Verification Email.”

6. Verify Your New Email Address

   • Open the email from Google sent to your new email address. Click on the verification link provided in the email.

7. Confirm Deletion

   • Follow the prompts to confirm that you want to delete your Gmail account. Once confirmed, your Gmail account and all its data will be permanently deleted.

On a Mobile Device

1. Open the Google Account App or Web Browser

• You can either use the Google Account app or open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com.

1. Sign In to Your Google Account

• Sign in with your Gmail account credentials.

1. Access Data & Privacy Settings

• Tap on “Data & privacy.”

1. Delete a Google Service

• Scroll down to the "Data from apps and services you use" section.
• Tap on “Delete a Google service.” You might need to enter your password again for verification.

1. Find Gmail and Tap the Trash Icon

• You will see a list of Google services associated with your account. Find “Gmail” and tap on the trash can icon next to it.

1. Follow the On-Screen Instructions

• Provide a non-Gmail email address to continue using other Google services.
• Enter the email address and tap “Send Verification Email.”

1. Verify Your New Email Address

   • Open the email from Google sent to your new email address. Click on the verification link provided in the email.

2. Confirm Deletion

• Follow the prompts to confirm that you want to delete your Gmail account. Once confirmed, your Gmail account and all its data will be permanently deleted.

Important Considerations

• Account Recovery: Once your Gmail account is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Ensure you have backed up any important information before proceeding.
• Service Impact: Deleting your Gmail account will not delete your entire Google Account. You will still have access to other Google services, such as Google Drive and YouTube, with the email address you provided during the deletion process.
• Email Access: You will no longer be able to send, receive, or access emails associated with the deleted Gmail account.

By following these steps, you can permanently delete your Gmail account safely and efficiently.