How to close your Google account and delete your files

Jon349

A user reported that their entire account was deleted and they were unable to access their files. They were able to contact customer service and eventually had their account reinstated, but they were wondering if anyone knew how/why this happened and if it could happen again.

elizabeth_newman

When your account is closed, your files will be deleted from Google Drive.

Vincent218

Google might close your account and delete your files from Google Drive if:

You breach any of the Terms of Service (https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/) set out by Google, including those related to copyright infringement. This can result in your account being closed and all your files being deleted.
You don't follow the Google Drive storage policy (https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2450387#cef). If you use Google Drive for storage, Google may delete your files if they haven't been opened or edited over a long period of time.
You violate Google Drive's Acceptable Use Policy (https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/adding-services-use-policy/#toc-accept). This includes hosting illegal, prohibited or otherwise inappropriate content or activities.
You stop or fail to make payments for any Google service (e.g. Google Drivestorage). Your account will be closed and all files deleted if payment isn't made.
You delete your own Google account. When you delete your account, all of your content (including files in Google Drive) is permanently removed from Google's systems.

If any of these scenarios occur, Google may close your account and delete your files from Google Drive. To avoid this, be sure to read, understand and comply with all of Google's applicable policies and terms of service.