How to Suspend or Delete Users in Google Workspace (2025 UAE Guide)
Hey there! Are you a business owner in the UAE looking to manage your Google Workspace users but feeling a bit lost? Don’t worry – you’re in the right place! Whether you’re in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere across the Emirates, managing Google Workspace users is easier than you think.
Suspend vs. Delete: What’s the Difference?
Before we jump into the how-to part, let’s talk about your two main options. Think of it like this: suspending a user is like putting their account on a temporary break, while deleting is like saying goodbye forever.
When You Suspend a User:
- Their data stays safe (emails, documents, calendars)
- Other team members can still see shared files
- They can’t log in or use Google Workspace services
- You can bring them back anytime by unsuspending
- You still pay for their license (this is important!)
When You Delete a User:
- Their account and data get removed permanently
- They lose access to everything
- Some data can be saved for 20 days but is not accessible unless restored
- You can transfer their important files to someone else first
- Their license becomes available for a new user
When Should You Suspend vs. Delete?
Suspend a user when:
- They’re on temporary leave
- You’re investigating a security issue
- They’ve temporarily left the company but might return
- You need time to transfer their data properly
Delete a user when:
- They’ve permanently left your organization
- You’re sure you won’t need their account again
- You’ve already transferred all important data to other team members
How to Suspend a User in Google Workspace
Let’s start with suspending—it’s often the safer choice if you’re not sure!
Step 1: Get to Your Admin Console
- Open your web browser and go to admin.google.com
- Sign in with your administrator account (this won’t work with a regular user account)
Step 2: Find Your Users
- Click Directory in the left-hand menu
- Then click Users
- You’ll see a list of all your team members
Step 3: Suspend the User
- Find the person you want to suspend in the list
- Hover your mouse over their name – you’ll see more options appear
- Click More options (three vertical dots)
- Select Suspend user
- Click Suspend to confirm
Pro Tip: Suspending keeps the user’s data safe and lets you restore access later.
Need to Suspend Multiple Users?
If you need to suspend several people at once:
- Download the CSV template from the Admin Console
- Mark the users you want to suspend
- Upload the file back into the console
This bulk method is helpful for HR transitions or long leave cases.
How to Delete a User in Google Workspace
Important: Before deleting anyone, make sure you’ve backed up or transferred any important data they own!
Step 1: Transfer Important Data First
You don’t want to lose valuable company files. Here’s what to transfer:
- Gmail emails
- Google Drive files and documents
- Calendar events
- Shared documents or folders they owned
If you’re unsure, read our guide on transferring user data safely.
Step 2: Access the Admin Console
- Go to admin.google.com
- Sign in with your administrator account
Step 3: Navigate to Users
- Click Directory in the left menu
- Then click Users
Step 4: Delete the User
- Find the user you want to delete
- Hover over their name and click More options
- Select Delete user
- If you’re a super administrator, you’ll see options to transfer data—choose what you want to do
- Click Delete user to confirm
What Happens to Their Data?
Gets Deleted:
- Gmail emails and attachments
- Personal Google Drive files (unless transferred)
- Personal calendars
- YouTube videos and other personal content
- Any files exclusively owned by the user
Remains Accessible:
- Shared documents (if other users have access)
- Files in Shared Drives
Group calendars or events
Best Practices for UAE Businesses
As businesses across Dubai, Sharjah, and the broader UAE region, here are some expert tips:
- Always communicate first: Let your team know when accounts will be suspended or deleted.
- Document your process: Create a checklist or SOP for your IT or admin team.
- Monthly reviews: Check your user list to see who still needs access.
- Use organizational units (OUs): Group users by department or location for easier control.
- Track admin privileges: Too many admins can create security risks.
Need help with these? Check out our guide to managing users in Google Admin Console
