What is Google's Inactive Account Manager? How to set it up, and what to watch for

When your Google Account goes unused for a long time, Inactive Account Manager follows the plan you set ahead of time: it notifies the people you chose and lets them download the data you picked. It's a free feature from Google itself, with no third-party company involved.

Based on laws and official guidance as checked on 2026-10-20. Rules and screens can change, so check the latest official guidance before you act.

How it works

You choose how long without activity counts as inactive: 3, 6, 12, or 18 months.
A month before that time, Google texts your phone and emails the address you gave it, such as your recovery email. If you use your account again, the clock resets.
Once Google is sure you're not responding, it emails the people you chose (up to 10). For a limited time, they can download the data you picked to share with them.
You can also choose to have Google delete your account after that.

“Activity” means things like signing in or using Gmail with your Google Account. Not opening one particular app for a month or two won't trigger it.

How to set it up

On your phone or computer, go to myaccount.google.com/inactive and sign in to your Google Account.
Choose a waiting period, such as 3 or 6 months.
Make sure your phone number and recovery email are ones you use now. Google will use them to remind you.
Add the people to notify. Enter their email address and check the data to share with them, such as Google Drive or Google Photos. If you share data, you'll also enter their phone number, which Google uses to confirm it's really them downloading it.
If you'd like, set up a Gmail auto-reply so people who email you know what's happened.
Choose whether to delete your account afterward, review everything, and save.

Menu names may change as Google updates things. The link above is the most direct way in.

What to watch for

If you change your phone number or recovery email, come back and update it. Otherwise the reminders won't reach you.
Tell your family ahead of time. The email they get later will come from Google, and if they're expecting it, they're less likely to mistake it for a scam.
Your family only gets the data you checked. Anything you didn't check isn't shared.
There's a time limit on downloads. Google says it's 3 months after the notification.
If you don't set it up at all: under Google's current policy, a personal account (not one from your work or school) that hasn't been used for two years may be deleted, along with its photos and email.

How Sayahead uses it

Sayahead puts each person's letters in the Just-in-Case Pack in your own Google Drive, then walks you through setting up Inactive Account Manager step by step. If something happens, it's Google that delivers the letters, and they never go through us. Even if Sayahead is gone one day, Google still passes them on.

FAQ

Does it cost anything?

No. Inactive Account Manager is built into every Google Account.

Could I be marked inactive by accident?

A month before the time is up, Google reminds you by text and at your recovery email. If you use your account again, the clock resets. That's why your phone number and recovery email need to be correct.

Can I change it after I set it up?

Yes. You can change the waiting period, the people, and the data you share at any time, or turn it off completely.

Sources and fact-check

This guide is general information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. For your own situation, talk to a qualified professional. Laws and platform features change, so rely on the latest version of the official pages below.

If you spot something wrong or out of date, email us at [email protected] and we will correct it.