You can delete your Google activity through your Google Account settings, allowing you to manage your online footprint. Here's how:
Steps to Delete Your Google Activity:
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Open your device's settings. This varies slightly depending on your device (Android or iOS), but generally, look for an app or icon labeled "Settings" or "System Settings."
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Access your Google Account settings. On many Android devices, you can find this under "Google" or "Accounts" then "Google." On iOS, you might need to download the Google app and access account settings through it.
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Navigate to "Data & Privacy." Within your Google Account settings, locate and select the "Data & privacy" option. This section allows you to control the data Google collects and how it's used.
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Go to "My Activity." Scroll down the "Data & privacy" page until you find "History settings" and then select "My Activity." This will lead you to a page displaying your Google activity across various Google services.
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Choose your deletion method. On the "My Activity" page, you'll see different ways to delete your activity:
- Deleting Specific Items: You can manually select and delete individual items from your activity feed. Look for the three dots (menu) next to each item and select "Delete."
- Deleting by Date: To delete activity from a specific date range, click on the "Delete" option (often represented by a trash can icon). This allows you to delete activity from "Last hour," "Last day," "All time," or a custom date range.
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Confirm your deletion. After selecting your desired date range or specific activities, you'll be prompted to confirm your deletion. Review your selection carefully before confirming, as this action is usually irreversible.
Deleting Activity Automatically:
You can also set up automatic deletion of your Google activity. In the "My Activity" section, you can manage your activity controls for Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History. You can set these to auto-delete activity older than 3, 18, or 36 months.
Important Considerations:
- Deleting your Google activity may affect personalized recommendations, search results, and other Google services that rely on your data.
- Some activity might be retained for legal or compliance reasons.
- Consider reviewing your activity controls regularly to ensure they align with your privacy preferences.
