How to restrict Google's data collection on your Android smartphone


  • TECH
  • Saturday, 20 Jul 2019

You can limit Google's collection of user data with a few changes in your phone settings. — dpa

Google collects users' data from Android smartphones in order to direct targeted advertising to them. However, you can limit this collection with a few changes in settings, connect magazine reports.

For example, under "Accounts > Google", you can disable syncing services you don't use. And in the keyboard app Gboard, you can turn off both "Personalized Suggestions" and "Share Usage Statistics".

Under "Apps", it's a good idea to uninstall any unnecessary Google apps, the experts advise. Some apps can't be uninstalled, but you can at least disable them.

By switching off "Backup and restore", you can prevent your contact list and WiFi passwords from being backed up to Google's servers.

And by navigating to "Google > Advertising", you can also deactivate personalised advertising.

Since you're already in the Google settings, it also makes sense to go through everything and decide whether or not you want data storage for each feature – for example, you can choose to prevent Google from recording your location history. – dpa

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

SK Hynix Q1 profit beats expectations on AI boom
Cisco says hackers subverted its security devices to spy on governments
Disappointing Meta forecast pulls down tech peers in extended trade
IBM to buy HashiCorp in $6.4 billion deal to expand in cloud
Meta forecasts higher AI spending and weaker revenue
TSMC says 'A16' chipmaking tech to arrive in 2026, setting up showdown with Intel
TikTok artists and advertisers to stay with app until 'door slams shut'
TikTok to suspend TikTok Lite's reward programme amid EU concerns
ASML approves Christophe Fouquet as CEO at annual meeting
AT&T beats estimates for subscriber additions, free cash flow

Others Also Read