Is Google Collecting Data from Your Phone? Here's How to Check and Protect It

Smartphones are now an essential part of daily life, and most Android devices come with pre-installed Google apps like Gmail, Google Maps, Chrome, and YouTube. But did you know that Google collects data through these apps? Here’s what you need to know and how to check what data is being collected.

What Data Does Google Collect?

Google collects user data primarily to personalize your experience

. Some examples include:

• Location tracking: If your phone’s location is on, Google can track where you go, how long you stay, and which routes you take.

• Search activity: Everything you search on Google is recorded and stored.

• YouTube history: Google tracks which videos you watch and for how long.

How to Check Your Google Data

You can easily see what data Google is collecting by following these steps:

Open your phone’s Settings.

Tap Google and select Manage your Google Account.

Go to the Data & Privacy section.

Check options like Web & App Activity, YouTube History, and Location History by tapping on each to review details.

How to Protect Your Data on Google

You can safeguard your information with a few simple steps:

• Turn off Location History: Stops Google from tracking your movements.

• Enable Auto-Delete: Automatically deletes activity after 3, 18, or 36 months.

• Disable Ad Personalization: Prevents Google from showing ads based on your activity.

By taking these steps, you can maintain your privacy while still using Google services efficiently.