Google Deletes Idle Android Accounts
October 31, 2017
If you have future plans that take you overseas to areas with limited to zero smartphone connectivity for more than two months and you have an Android-based phone you are in trouble. Vernonchan reports that “Google Will Delete Your Android Backups If Your Device Is Inactive For Two Months.”
It came as quite a shock for the article’s author and only came to light, because a Reddit user was caught off guard. The story goes that the Reddit user sent his Nexus 6P in for a refund claim and while waiting for a replacement Android device, he used an old phone. He thought his Nexus 6P backups were safe, but when he checked his Google Drive backup folder they were gone!
He found this document related to backups: “Manage & Restore Your Device Backups In Google.” Here is what is found in the document:
The document briefly details about finding, managing, and deleting backups. Right at the end, Google explains what happens when your backup expires: ‘Your backup will remain as long as you use your device. If you don’t use your device for 2 weeks, you may see an expiration date below your backup. For instance: “Expires in 54 days.’
Note that once a backup is deleted, there is zero chance for recovery.
In other words, you are screwed! If you use your device regularly, there is nothing to worry about. But if you are headed overseas for that rare place on Earth without limited to zero smartphone access for an extended period you are doomed. If you have a warranty claim or sent the device in for repair, there are concerns there as well.
The Reddit user was extremely surprised that he never received any warning from Google and thought that it would be a good PSA to alert others to the time limit on backups.
Google, we know you have a lot going on, but it is good customer service to alert your users to things as important as data deletion!
Whitney Grace, October 31, 2017
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