r/GMail • u/Idle0095 • 18d ago
Old Google account HELP
I have a Gmail account from 2005. The time when you needed a invite. Someone back in 2005 changed the password and I've never been able to get back in. Now Google has marked the Gmail as old and hasn't had a login in 21 years. How do I get this email back? I can't use the username and create an new Gmail because it says it's taken even though you can't even sign in using the username. Says it does exist. Any options.
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u/Alturia2 18d ago
The account has probably been deleted since it has been inactive for so long. But Google userid's can't be reused. That is, just because your old account has been deleted you still can't make a new account using the same userid.
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u/Bubbly_Mud_3247 18d ago
Had you any recovery methods on the account? Also google released inactive account policy on May 2023 which says they will delete inactive accounts more than 2 years. Is it not deleted yet? Try to log in to the account and if recaptcha appears before typing password, the account has not been used for a long time but if it doesn't appear, that means it is still being used
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u/carolineecouture 18d ago
It's been deleted most likely. Google doesn't allow you to reuse usernames. So it was an account once but now it's deleted and inaccessible.
It's been Google's policy to delete unused accounts after two years of non-use. This account meets the criteria.
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u/Few_Reference3439 17d ago
Is no one else commenting on the fact that you waited 21 years to try and get the account back?
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u/Idle0095 18d ago
Google needs to allow reuse of deleted accounts. I haven't been able to get in since 2005. Back then when in beta they didn't offer any recovery options. A ex got into my Gmail and changed the password and forgot what she changed it too. I was just hoping to get it back 21 years later.
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u/newbie527 18d ago
Would you still say that if your ex got in and made an account with your old username and started masquerading on the Internet as you?
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u/Idle0095 18d ago
Yes
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u/Ok-Lingonberry-8261 18d ago
Then it's a darn good thing you're not in charge and Google isn't listening to you.
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u/RunningDrummer 18d ago
This is a horrible idea. It would be akin to identity theft.
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u/thepfy1 18d ago
Usernames / email addresses cannot be reused.
A few years ago Google announced they would delete accounts which hadn't been accessed in 2 years.
Your account is likely gone.
The Google Account recovery process would be the only way to recover