Google Just Changed a Major Privacy Setting—Here’s the Switch to Turn Off Right Now

If you use a Google account—and most of us do—you may want to check your settings today. In mid-June 2026, Google quietly updated a key privacy control that could share more of your data by default. The change affects every account, and the new setting is enabled out of the box. Here’s what it does, why it matters, and exactly how to turn it off in under a minute.

What changed?

The setting in question is called “Web & App Activity” in your Google Account—specifically, a sub-option that previously required you to opt in. With the latest update, Google now includes browsing data from within its own apps (like Chrome, Search, and YouTube) in this activity log by default. What’s more, the company uses that data to personalize ads and recommendations across all Google services.

In other words, unless you intervene, every page you visit in Chrome, every search you run, and every video you watch will automatically feed into Google’s ad targeting system. The change was first reported by Tom’s Guide and other outlets.

Why you should turn it off

For many users, the privacy implications are straightforward: you may not want your browsing history linked to your identity for advertising purposes. Even if you trust Google with your data, the more information collected, the larger the digital footprint—and the greater the risk if that data were ever exposed or accessed by third parties.

Beyond ads, turning off this setting also reduces the amount of data Google can use for “personalized recommendations” in products like YouTube or Google Discover. If you prefer a less tailored experience—or simply want to limit data collection—disabling this option is a logical step.

There is a nuance: turning off Web & App Activity does not stop all data collection. Google still collects certain usage data for basic service functionality, security, and analytics. But it will no longer be used for ads or personalization tied to your account.

Step-by-step: How to turn off the setting

The process is the same on desktop and mobile, though the menu paths differ slightly.

On a computer:

  1. Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in.
  2. Click “Data & privacy” in the left sidebar.
  3. Under “History settings,” click “Web & App Activity.”
  4. You’ll see a toggle at the top. Turn it off.
  5. A pop-up will ask you to confirm. Select “Pause” to stop new data from being saved. (Existing data will remain unless you delete it separately.)

On an Android phone or tablet, or using the Google app on iOS:

  1. Open the Google app (or go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account).
  2. Tap “Data & privacy.”
  3. Find “Web & App Activity” and tap it.
  4. Toggle the switch to off and confirm.

That’s it. The change takes effect immediately. You can always re-enable it later if you change your mind.

Other privacy settings worth reviewing

While you’re in your Google Account, consider a few more controls:

  • Location History – Under “Data & privacy,” this setting stores where you go. Turn it off if you don’t need Google Maps to remember your frequent trips.
  • YouTube History – Separate from Web & App Activity. Pausing it stops Google from suggesting videos based on what you’ve watched.
  • Ad personalization – Also under “Data & privacy,” you can turn off “Ad personalization” entirely. This prevents Google from using any of your data to tailor ads, though you’ll still see generic ones.

None of these decisions are permanent. You can always revisit them.

What this means going forward

Google’s update is a reminder to periodically check your account settings. Companies change default options often, and the “privacy by default” approach isn’t always in your favor. By taking a few minutes to adjust these settings, you regain control over how your data is used.

If you’re unsure about the trade-offs, start by turning off the new setting. You can always experiment—turn it back on later and see if the personalization is worth it. For most people, the extra privacy is a small price for a less curated web experience.

Sources: Tom’s Guide, Google Account help pages, and firsthand verification by the author. Google’s announcement of this change was published in mid-June 2026.