To change your Google settings, you'll primarily do so through the Google settings app on your device or by accessing your Google account through a web browser. Here's a breakdown of how to do it on both mobile devices and desktop:
On a Mobile Device (Android):
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Open your device's Settings app. This is usually the app with a gear or cogwheel icon.
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Scroll down and tap on "Google." You might also see "Google Services" or "Google Account" depending on your Android version.
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Choose the specific Google service or setting you want to change. Some common options include:
- Account services: Change your account name, profile photo, and manage other account information.
- Ads: Control ad personalization, reset your advertising ID, or opt out of personalized ads entirely. This setting will affect the ads you see on apps and websites that partner with Google.
- Autofill: Manage saved passwords, addresses, and payment methods.
- Backup: Adjust settings related to backing up your device data to Google Drive.
- Device connections: Manage connected devices.
- Find My Device: Configure "Find My Device" to locate your phone if it's lost or stolen.
- Location: Control location services, view your location history, and manage location sharing settings.
- Search, Assistant & Voice: Configure Google Assistant settings, manage voice search preferences, and more.
- Security: Review security settings, manage connected apps with account access, and set up two-factor authentication.
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Adjust the settings according to your preferences. The available options will vary depending on the specific Google service you selected.
On a Computer (Web Browser):
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Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
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Go to your Google Account page: Visit myaccount.google.com. You may need to sign in to your Google account if you aren't already.
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Navigate the left-hand menu. Here you'll see options like:
- Personal info: Update your name, birthday, gender, and other personal details.
- Data & privacy: Control your activity controls (Web & App Activity, Location History, YouTube History), manage ad personalization, download your data, and more. This is where you'll find most privacy related settings.
- Security: Manage your password, review recent security activity, set up two-step verification, and control third-party app access.
- People & sharing: Manage your contacts, control sharing recommendations, and manage contact info saved when you interact with Google services.
- Payments & subscriptions: View and manage your payment methods, subscriptions, and purchase history.
- About: Get information about your Google account.
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Click on the section you want to modify (e.g., "Security" or "Data & privacy").
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Adjust the settings according to your preferences. The options will vary depending on the selected section.
Examples of Common Settings to Change:
- Privacy settings: Control how Google uses your data for personalized ads and search results.
- Security settings: Enhance your account security by enabling two-factor authentication and reviewing connected devices.
- Notification settings: Manage the emails and notifications you receive from Google services.
- Language settings: Change the language used in Google products and services.
By using these instructions on your device or computer you should be able to modify your google settings.
