Samsung has announced a significant policy change that will affect millions of users worldwide. The tech giant is implementing a new account management system that will permanently remove inactive user accounts and all associated data after a 24-month period of inactivity. This marks a departure from the company's previous approach of maintaining dormant accounts indefinitely.
Account Deletion Timeline and Scope
The new policy takes effect on July 31, 2025, giving users approximately eight weeks to take action. Any Samsung account that has remained inactive for 24 consecutive months will be permanently deleted from the company's servers. The deletion process is irreversible, meaning users cannot recover their accounts or any associated data once the removal is complete.
Samsung has been proactively notifying affected users via email to ensure they have adequate time to preserve their accounts. However, users who no longer have access to their registered email addresses may miss these crucial notifications, potentially losing their accounts without warning.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Policy Implementation: July 31, 2025
- Inactivity Period: 24 months
- User Notification Period: 8+ weeks advance notice
- Action Required: Single login before July 31, 2025
Data at Risk of Permanent Loss
The scope of data deletion extends far beyond basic account information. Samsung Cloud storage, including photos and device backups, will be permanently erased. Samsung Wallet information, Samsung Health data, Galaxy Store app downloads, and Find My Mobile configurations will also be eliminated. This comprehensive data purge affects virtually every service connected to a Samsung account.
The policy particularly impacts users who have switched to other smartphone brands but maintained their Samsung accounts for potential future use. Previously, these dormant accounts served as a safety net for users who might return to Samsung devices later.
Data Types Affected by Deletion
- Samsung Cloud data and photos
- Device backups
- Samsung Wallet information
- Samsung Health data
- Galaxy Store app downloads
- Find My Mobile configurations
- All account-linked services and data
Simple Steps to Preserve Your Account
Saving a Samsung account from deletion requires minimal effort. Users need only log into their account once before July 31, 2025, to reset the inactivity timer. This can be accomplished through any Samsung device or by visiting the company's website through a web browser. Any form of account activity, including using Samsung services while logged in, will mark the account as active.
The login process updates Samsung's records immediately, ensuring the account remains protected from the deletion policy. Users don't need to maintain regular activity afterward; a single login before the deadline suffices to preserve the account.
Account Types Exempt from Deletion
Samsung has carved out specific exceptions to its new policy. Family accounts registered under Samsung's family sharing programs are automatically protected from deletion. Additionally, accounts with reward points activity or purchase history from Samsung's official website are considered active regardless of login frequency.
These exemptions recognize that some users maintain ongoing relationships with Samsung through purchases or family connections, even if they don't regularly access their accounts directly.
Protected Account Types
- Registered family accounts
- Accounts with reward points activity
- Accounts with Samsung website purchase history
- Any account with login activity within 24 months
Implications for Samsung Ecosystem Users
This policy change reflects Samsung's effort to streamline its user database and reduce server maintenance costs. However, it also signals a shift toward more active user engagement requirements. Users who rely on Samsung's ecosystem of services must now maintain regular account activity to preserve their digital assets.
The move aligns Samsung with industry trends where tech companies increasingly focus resources on active users rather than maintaining dormant accounts indefinitely. For consumers, this change emphasizes the importance of regular account maintenance and data backup strategies beyond relying solely on manufacturer cloud services.