Ask Kurt: How to navigate Google’s privacy settings

You’ve got questions?  I’ve got answers.

Steve from Hartford, Connecticut who is baffled by Google’s settings recently sent in this email question.

I have my Google Web & Activity, Location History and YouTube History all set to off – yet they all show “paused”. Give me a break are they on or off? Why not have just a Toggle Switch? …They need to simplify their settings and explanations… Is there a book or guide out there in plain language that explains how to navigate and select the correct settings options throughout Google? – Steve, Hartford, CT

 

How to maximize your privacy within Google’s apps 

Please note while these instructions can be performed within the Google Chrome browser, they can be performed essentially in any browser after you log into your Google account from within that browser.  After logging in, the Google privacy screens are the same. 

1. Turn off “web & app” activity

How to turn “web & app” activity off using Mac 

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • In the top left, click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
  • In the box, the first row says Web & App Activity; Click on the blue check next to the word On 
  • Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
  • Select Turn off and Delete activity 
  • Click Next in the bottom right
  • Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
  • Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.

How to turn “web & app” activity off using a PC

  • On the Google Chrome page, go to Activity controls in a web browser. To turn off web and app activity on your PC, you can access your Activity Controls in a web browser. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so
  • Click Turn Off under “Web & App Activity”. You’ll see this option near the top of the page
  • Scroll down and click the Pause button. You won’t be able to click Pause until you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the page. This pauses your web and search activity until you enable it again. To delete your Web & App Activity history, click Delete old activity under “Setting is Off” and then select a time range. Click Got It when you’re finished to return to the previous screen.

How to turn “web & app” activity off using iPhone

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select your Google Account, select your account again on the next page and click Manage your Google Account. Or click on this link
  • Then tap Data & Privacy near the top of the screen
  • Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
  • In the box, the first row says Web & App Activity; Click on the > icon
  • Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
  • Select Turn off and Delete activity 
  • Click Next in the bottom right
  • Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
  • Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.

How to turn “web & app” activity off using Android

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • Click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
  • Find the row that says Web & App Activity and click the > icon
  • Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
  • Select Turn off and Delete activity 
  • Click Next in the bottom right
  • Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
  • Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.

 

 

2. Limit data sharing with sites and services

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on Mac

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • In the top left, click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
  • Click on Third-party apps & services
  • Select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with
  • Click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on PC 

  • On the Google Chrome page, click the menu icon (three dots) at the top-right corner and select Settings
  • Then, click Privacy and security
  • Next, tap Site settings
  • Here, you can manage how Chrome handles cookies, location, camera, microphone, notifications, and other permissions for different sites
  • You can also clear your browsing data and disable third-party services from accessing your data

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on iPhone

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select your Google Account, select your account again on the next page and click Manage your Google Account. Or click on this link
  • Click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
  • Click on Third-party apps & services
  • Scroll down and select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with by clicking on it
  • Next, scroll down and click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm

How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on Android 

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • Click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
  • Click on Third-party apps & services
  • Select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with by clicking on it
  • Click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm

 

3. Turn off Location History

How to turn it off on Mac

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • In the top left, click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
  • Click on the row that says Location History
  • Click on the box that says Turn off
  • Select Turn off again and then Got it

How to turn “web & app” activity off using a PC

  • On the Google Chrome page, go to Activity controls in a web browser. To turn off web and app activity on your PC, you can access your Activity Controls in a web browser. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so
  • Click Turn Off under “Web & App Activity”. You’ll see this option near the top of the page
  • Scroll down and click the Pause button. You won’t be able to click Pause until you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the page. This pauses your web and search activity until you enable it again. To delete your Web & App Activity history, click Delete old activity under “Setting is Off” and then select a time range. Click Got It when you’re finished to return to the previous screen.

How to turn it off on iPhone

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select your Google Account, select your account again on the next page and click Manage your Google Account. Or click on this link
  • In the top left, click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
  • Click on the row that says Location History
  • Click on the box that says Turn off
  • Select Turn off again and then Got it

How to turn it off on Android

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • In the top left, click on Data & Privacy 
  • Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
  • Click on the row that says Location History
  • Click on the box that says Turn off
  • Select Turn off again and then Got it

 

MORE: GOOGLE CHROME’S “INCOGNITO” MODE MIGHT NOT KEEP YOU SO HIDDEN 

 

How to turn on Auto-delete controls

Auto-delete controls let you automatically delete your data on a continuous rolling basis of 3, 18, or 36 months without needing to do this manually. This feature is available for your Location History and Web & App Activity data. To activate this feature for Location History data, which includes the places you go with your devices and the routes you take, follow these steps:

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • Under the privacy and personalization section, click on Manage your data & privacy
  • Scroll down and select Location History
  • Tap on Manage Activity 
  • Choose Auto-delete and select a time limit for how long you want your data saved. You can choose 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.
  • Confirm your choice and click on the Next button and then Confirm

To activate Auto-delete controls, for Web & App Activity data, follow these steps:

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • Under the privacy and personalization section, click on Manage your data & privacy
  • Scroll down and click on Web & App Activity
  • Tap Manage all Web and app
  • Choose Auto-delete and select a time limit for how long you want your data saved. You can choose 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.
  • Confirm your choice and click on the Next button and then Confirm

 

4. Getting your personal information off Google search

MORE: HOW TO SCRUB YOURSELF OFF THE INTERNET

 

5. Stop targeted ads

How to stop targeted ads on Mac

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • In the top left, click on Data & Privacy 
  • Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
  • In the top right corner, click on the box that says Personalized ads and then click on Turn Off in the bottom right of the next box. Then tap Got it.

How to stop targeted ads on iPhone

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select your Google Account, select your account again on the next page and click Manage your Google Account. Or click on this link
  • Click on Data & Privacy 
  • Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
  • In the top right corner, click on the box that says Personalized ads and then click on Turn Off in the bottom right of the next box. Then tap Got it. 

How to stop targeted ads on Android

  • On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
  • Click on Data & Privacy 
  • Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
  • In the top right corner, click on the box that says Personalized ads and then click on Turn Off in the bottom right of the next box. Then click Got it. 

 

6. Further privacy protection using a VPN

Best VPNs for browsing the web privately 2024

 

Kurt’s key takeaways

When it comes to protecting your privacy online, taking control of your Google activity is a smart move. Remember, just a few clicks can make a big difference. So go ahead and bid farewell to unwanted data sharing, location history, and those pesky targeted ads. And for an extra layer of privacy, consider a trustworthy VPN to keep your online presence under wraps. Stay savvy, and stay secure.

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19 comments

Sandi July 26, 2023 - 2:42 pm
What if I use Firefox instead of Chrome to reach my Google accounts? We don't all use Chrome so it would be helpful in your future suggestions to include all of the other systems such as Firefox and Safari.
Kurt Knutsson July 26, 2023 - 6:30 pm
Hi Sandi. Great question. Please note while these instructions can be performed within the Google Chrome browser, they can be performed essentially in any browser after you log into your Google account from within that browser.  After logging in, the Google privacy screens are the same. 
Robert W. November 7, 2023 - 7:55 am
Thank you very much. The links for Android helped greatly.
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