Turn off Google Web and App Activity on Google Android 16
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Sensitivity 4/5
Default: On
Phones / Google Android 16 / Google Web and App Activity
This account-level mechanism records interactions across Google services and linked Android device tasks. Users may pause the collection or configure automated deletion periods within their account controls.
- Goes to
- Default
- On
- Control
- Can be switched off
- Effort
- a minute or two
- Needs
- account
How to do it
Open Settings, tap Google, manage your account, and under Data & privacy choose Web & App Activity to pause collection.
Usually found under: Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & privacy
Menu names may differ by device and version.
What you lose
Recent searches, Google app activity, and browsing records will not be retained in your Google account history.
What is collected
Search queries, app usage logs, location estimates, interaction timestamps.
Google states this data delivers faster searches, better recommendations, and more personalised experiences across services.
Retention: 18 months by default for new accounts according to Google documentation. The sensitivity rating is this site's own estimate.