You can delete your Google Gmail account and all the information in it (and still keep your Google, YouTube , etc. accounts) with these easy steps .

Why delete a Gmail account?

So you have one Gmail account too many? No, you don’t have to tell me any reason you want to quit Gmail. I won’t ask, I will tell you how to do it.

Gmail will ask you for numerous clicks and of course your password. Still, closing your Gmail account and deleting messages is a very simple task.

delete your gmail account

To cancel your Gmail account and delete the associated Gmail address:

Go to Google account settings.

Select Delete your account or service under Account Preferences.

Click Remove Product.

Note: You can also choose Delete Google Account and Data to remove your entire Google Account (including your search history, Google Docs, AdWords and AdSense, and other Google services).

Select the Gmail account you want to delete.

Enter the password for the account by entering password.

Click Next.

Click the trash can icon next to Gmail.

NOTE: Following the Download Data link, you can download full copies of Gmail messages outsourced by Google.

Tip: You can also copy your email to another Gmail account, possibly a new Gmail address.

Enter an email address that is different from the address associated with the Gmail account you are closing Enter the email address in the “How to sign in to Google” dialog box.

Note: Gmail may have entered the secondary address you used when creating your Gmail account. The alternate email address you enter here will become your new Google Account username.

Also important: Make sure you enter an email address that you have access to. You need an email address to complete deleting your Gmail account.

Click to send a verification email.

Open an email from Google (no-reply@accounts.google.com) with the subject “Security Alert for Associated Google Account” or “Gmail Deletion Confirmation”.

Follow the delete link in the message.

If prompted, log in to the Gmail account you’re deleting.

Select Yes under Confirm Gmail deletion, I want to permanently delete example@gmail.com from my Google account.

Click Delete Gmail. Important: You cannot undo this step. After one click, your Gmail account and messages are gone.

Click Finish.

What Happened to Emails in a Deleted Gmail Account?

Messages will be permanently deleted. You can’t access them in Gmail.

If you downloaded a copy using Google Takeout or using an email program, then of course you can still use the messages.

Note : If you access Gmail using IMAP in your email program , only mail copied to local folders will be copied; email on the server and folders synced with the deleted Gmail account will be deleted.

What happened to the emails sent to my deleted Gmail address?

Users who email your old Gmail address will receive a delivery failure message. You may want to announce the new or replacement old address to desired contacts. By the way, if you’re looking for a new secure email service, read up on the best services for secure email.