Google is storing your search history. Here's how to stop it
Enjoy today's featured easy-to-follow tech tip.
Rick's Daily Tech Tips Update for Friday, October 25, 2024
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Today’s featured tech tip…
Google is storing your search history. Here's how to stop it
A while back I wrote a post explaining how to delete your entire search history that Google has collected and stored since the moment you began using their service way back when.
Several of you have since written in and asked me if there's a way to prevent Google from gathering and storing that information in the first place? Well, the answer to that question is yes.
Google uses a feature called Web & App Activity to collect and store your search information. Some folks are fine with that, but others not so much.
Luckily, it's quite easy to turn it off if you'd like to prevent that info from being collected. Here's how:
Note: Once you make the change using one device it will be in effect regardless of the type of device you use to access Google from then on.
If you use Google in a browser on a laptop or desktop computer...
1 - Visit the MyActivity page on the Google website and sign in to your Google account if you're prompted to do so.
2 - Click the Activity controls link in the left-hand column.
You should now see a setting labeled "Web & App Activity" along with a button that controls that setting over on the right.
If the button says Turn on that means it isn't enabled and your search history isn't being saved at this time.
However, if the button says Turn off that means "Web & App Activity" is currently active on your account and it's saving your search history in Google's database.
To disable "Web & App Activity" simply click the Turn off button and then click Turn off and delete activity at the bottom of the box that pops up.
3 - (Optional) There are boxes you can check right below the "Web & App Activity" line that will also prevent Google Chrome from collecting and storing your browsing history and voice and audio recordings. You can check those as well if you want to prevent Google from archiving that information.
If you use the Google app on a mobile device...
1 - Open the Google app and log into your Google account.
2 - Tap your little round profile icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 - Tap Search history.
4 - Tap Saving to Web & App activity.
5 - Tap the Turn off button and then tap Turn off and delete activity.
That's all there is to it. Once you have disabled (i.e. paused) the "Web & App Activity" feature Google will no longer gather and store your search history.
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Picture of the Day...
“Gerbera”
Today’s POTD features a bunch of beautiful Gerbera Daisy blossoms. I hope you like it.
Bonus tips from some the web’s best Tech sites...
Every day I hand-pick five of the best tips I found on my favorite tech sites and share them with you, my wonderful subscribers. Here is today’s selection:
• How to clean and prepare your laptop before selling it
• 5 reasons why you should never sign in with Google or Facebook
• How to use the new iPhone Control Center in iOS 18
• How to use PowerToys Workspaces to finesse your Windows desktop
• Google Chrome: how to disable toast popups in the browser
Today's post from 'Living (and loving) Life'...
Classic comedy: 'Who's On First'
Rick's daily gadget pick...
Every day I feature a tech item that I’ve hand-picked to be among the best of the best.
Click here to see what I’m loving today.
Today’s tech news headlines...
• Three US industry groups sue FTC to block ‘Click to Cancel’ rule
• Windows 11 Updates install faster (and Microsoft has the numbers to back it up)
• Amazon's latest Prime perk will help you save money on gas
• Researchers discover a way to restore lost battery capacity
• Google's Android 15 uses AI to lock your phone when someone grabs it
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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.
Your tech buddy,
Rick Rouse
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