Google Inactive Account Manager

What happens by default

If you do nothing, a Google account that stays inactive for roughly two years may be subject to Google's inactive-account policy, including possible deletion of content in Gmail, Drive and Photos. Family members cannot simply log in: Google may consider that unauthorized access, and getting data released without preparation can require a court order.

Set it up now (about 15 minutes)

1. Open myaccount.google.com → Data & privacy → Make a plan for your digital legacy.
2. Choose your inactivity window (3–18 months) and how Google should confirm you're inactive.
3. Add up to 10 trusted contacts and pick exactly which data each may download (Mail, Drive, Photos…).
4. Decide whether the account should be deleted after your plan runs.
5. Optionally write the message your contacts will receive.

What family can do after a loss

If Inactive Account Manager was never set up, immediate family or an executor can submit Google's form to close the account, request funds, or request data — each reviewed case-by-case and usually requiring a death certificate. Data release is not guaranteed and can take months, which is exactly why the 15-minute setup above matters.

Official sources

• Google: About Inactive Account Manager
• Google: Submit a request regarding a deceased user's account
• Google: Inactive Google Account policy

See the short version on the Google platform guide, compare it with every other platform in the legacy-tools table, or fold it into your own personal checklist.