How Do I Permanently Delete My Account?

You can permanently delete your Google Account in 2026 by following these steps.

Here’s the quickest path: head to myaccount.google.com, click Data & privacy, then Delete your Google Account. Confirm when prompted. Google holds onto your data for up to 60 days before wiping it for good.

What's Happening

Deleting your Google Account doesn’t happen instantly. Google kicks off a waiting period first. Your account, emails, Drive files, and settings vanish from view right away, but they’re still tucked away on Google’s servers. According to Google’s 2025 privacy documentation, this 60-day buffer lets you change your mind and restore the account if needed. After two months, the data gets scrubbed from active systems—though some logs stick around for legal or security checks for up to 18 months.

Yes, here’s exactly how to delete your Google Account from a computer browser.

1. Fire up your browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in if you’re not already.
2. On the left side of the screen, click Data & privacy.
3. Scroll down to More options and pick Delete your Google Account.
4. Read the warning, then click Continue to account deletion.
5. Follow the prompts—Google might ask for your password again or a 2-Step Verification code.
6. Hit Delete Account to lock it in.

You can also delete your Google Account using the Google One app on Android or iPhone.

1. Open the Google One app and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Choose Manage your Google Account.
3. Tap Data & privacy, then More options, then Delete your Google Account.
4. Confirm the action and work through the prompts. The app works just like the website and keeps the same 60-day waiting period.

If This Didn’t Work

• Account Locked or Suspended? If Google flagged your account for odd activity, fix it first through Google Account Recovery before you try deleting it again.
• Forgot Password? Reset it at the account recovery page before you start the deletion process. Google may ask you to prove it’s really you via phone, email, or a trusted device.
• Still Seeing Old Data? If your Gmail or Drive files linger past the 60-day mark, wait a day or two for the backend to catch up. If nothing changes, file a request through Google’s help form.

Take these steps first to avoid headaches later.

• Back Up Your Data: Grab everything you care about from Google Takeout before you pull the trigger. You can export emails, photos, calendar events, and more in formats like .zip or .json. You’ll have 30 days after deletion to download it all.
• Remove Linked Services: Cut the cord on apps and services tied to your Google Account by going to Data & privacy → Apps and services. This stops orphaned logins or accidental data leaks once the account is gone.
• Update Recovery Options: Double-check that your recovery email and phone number in Data & privacy → Contact info are current. It makes life easier if you ever need to recover or delete the account down the road.
• Use a Password Manager: Apps like Bitwarden or 1Password keep your Google password safe and sound. That way, you won’t get locked out during the 60-day waiting window.

Note: As of 2026, Google’s deletion schedule matches its 2025 privacy policy, which says full erasure only happens after the waiting period ends. In some places, local laws like GDPR or CCPA can add extra delays to the process.