Choose what you want to delete
Use whole-account deletion when you want to leave the Google Account entirely. If your goal is to remove searches, a file collection or an old mailbox, start with that narrower action. Deleting one Google Account does not delete another account you own.
Removing a Google Account from a phone only disconnects that device. Likewise, uninstalling an app does not close the online account. Check the account email at the top of every confirmation screen.
Before you start
Make a short list of anything that depends on this login: banking recovery emails, social accounts, shared folders, family subscriptions and services using Sign in with Google. Give those services another working sign-in or recovery method first. If you use this address for SEED, verify an alternative before losing access to it.
You can keep a copy without uploading it to SEED. Use Google Takeout or the Gmail, Drive and Photos download guides. Open a few saved files outside the Google Account. You may also choose to continue without an export.
On a phone
- Open Google Account: Data & privacy in your browser. Sign in to the exact account you want to remove.
- Find Your data & privacy options, then More options and Delete your Google Account.
- Read the affected services and data. If the scope is broader than intended, stop and choose a narrower action below.
- Complete Google's identity check and final confirmation. Save the confirmation somewhere that will remain available.
On a computer
Open the same Data & privacy page. Check the profile/email first, then follow the phone steps above. The browser route is useful when you have several Google accounts open because you can inspect the selected account before continuing.
If the labels differ, open Google's current deletion instructions and follow the route for your account. Work and school accounts may need their administrator.
Keep the account and remove selected data
- Search and other recorded activity: open My Activity, filter the product or dates, review the selection and use its delete control. Review the associated activity setting separately if you also want to change future collection.
- Gmail only: use the Gmail deletion guide. Removing the Gmail service is different from deleting messages.
- Files or photos: select the specific items in their own Google app. Review the account, shared ownership and bin before choosing any permanent-removal action. Do not assume an activity deletion clears files stored in another product.
What happens next
Account closure removes access to services such as Gmail and Drive and can affect purchases or subscriptions tied to that account. Google does not promise a fixed recovery window on its account-deletion help page. If you change your mind, use Google's recovery route promptly rather than relying on a countdown from another service.
Copies already downloaded by someone else need separate attention. A closed account also does not prove that every record held for legal or security reasons has been erased.
If something goes wrong
For a lost or compromised account, begin with Google Account recovery. Do not send passwords or verification codes to SEED. If you need a specific retained category erased, prepare a precise privacy request that identifies the data and asks Google to explain any retention.
Keep a record
Record which account and action you chose, the date and Google's confirmation. Mark account closure separately from selected activity or message deletion. Check that your replacement contact method works before ending the session.