We all hear unnerving stories about how internet giants keep masses of data on all of us, but they aren’t as far removed from the reality of the situation as you might think. Google, for instance, knows quite a lot more about you than you realize.
With that being said, it does offer a number of ways to limit how much you are tracked, as well as control over the ads you see. These can be accessed via the search engine’s “My Activity” page, which is a digital dashboard that gives you a snapshot of all the data that it has gathered on you.
Click here to get started:
When You First Log In
The first thing you’ll be presented with when you log in is a timeline of your activity using Google’s various products such as the search engine itself, your Google Chrome web browsing history or Google Maps. The privacy settings that you currently have enabled on Google determine what is displayed on the timeline.
How to See the Full Picture
Seeing as the full picture of what Google knows about you might be obscured due to your privacy settings, you’ll need to point to the Menu icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen and select Other Google Activity to find any additional data that Google has been gathering.
An example of this is your location history. All of the places that you’ve visited while being signed in to Google Maps (this will most likely happen when you’ve been using your smartphone to find your way around somewhere) will appear here.
Deleting Your Activity
There are several methods that you can employ to delete your data from your My Activity page. You’ll find three vertical dots next to each individual item in the Other Google Activity page. All you need to do to begin deleting your data is to click on them. A menu will appear giving you the option to delete an individual item from your Google history permanently.
You can also search by product or topic using the search bar, and delete it via the three dots once you’ve found it.
Last but not least, you can also delete by date. Simply click the three vertical dots at the top of your screen and selected Delete Activity By. This option also allows you to delete data from “all time”.
Limit Your Data from Being Saved
So you’ve deleted the activity you wished to, and now you’re probably wondering how to stop Google from collecting your data in the future.
All you need to do is click on the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner and select Activity Controls to edit your preferences for the following:
• Web & app activity
• Location history
• Device information
• Voice & audio activity
• YouTube search history
• YouTube watch history
At this point, it’s also a good idea to run Google’s Privacy Checkup tool to review your privacy settings and just them to how you want them. And there you have it!
Learn All About the Different File Types on Your Computer
Computer extensions can have such confusing names and functions. If you're like me, you will appreciate this guide to 12 different file types!
All The Secrets to Solving a Rubik’s Cube Revealed
Always wanted to solve a Rubik's cube quickly like a pro? This video will show you how it'd done
Malware Is Harmful to Your Computer. Here's How to Stop It
Is your computer slow, getting weird messages or even threats? It's likely that you have malware. Don't fret, however - here's all you need to know about it.
Learn the Basics of Using a Computer With These Guides!
Windows computers are the most commonly used throughout the world. Fear is the primary obstacle in seniors towards using them. Here are 7 basic video tutorials.
Make Your Life So Much Easier with These Awesome Websites!
Discover 12 of the handiest websites around, that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
A Few Hacks Any Zoom User Needs to Know
For better and for worse - Zoom is a part of our daily lives. Check out these 9 hacks that will make navigating the app easier.
Struggle to Remember Your Passwords? These Tips Will Help
Passwords can be difficult to remember at times, but here are some tips that will help.
Learn Any New Language with These Awesome Apps!
Learn new languages faster with these AI-powered apps.
5 New Windows 11 Features You Don’t Know About
You may have missed these new Windows 11 features.
5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Security Systems
Learn some useful tips in this article that will let you know if your security system is working efficiently or not.
The Best FREE Health Apps That Can Transform Your Life
Keep yourself healthy this year with the help of these great apps.
The New Wi-Fi is Here! This is Why You Should Try It…
Wi-Fi 7 is here, and it can change the way you use the internet!
These New Android 15 Features Will Change The Game!
Android 15 is finally here! Let’s find out what new features it offers.
Smishing 101: How to Recognize Scam Text Messages
This is how you recognize and handle fraudulent or scam text messages, also known as smashing.
15 Tech Hacks That Will Make Your Life Way Easier
These practical tips are designed to improve your daily tech experience.
6 Secure Search Engines You Can Use Instead of Google
Google isn’t the only search engine you have to use.
Here's How to Make Your iPhone Run Like New Again - 9 Tips
Save space on your iPhone with these simple hacks.
8 Smart Safari Customizations Every Mac User Should Know
Here are some of the most effective ways to fine-tune Safari on your Mac.
What Happens When Two AIs Speak to Each Other?
In this video, we witness the latest version of ChatGPT - 4o - Speak to each other and even sing along!
10 Free Useful Portable Applications You Should Know!
Have you used portable apps? They can be so handy!
The Best Mac Keyboard Shortcuts You Haven't Been Using
Every Mac user should know about these useful keyboard shortcuts.
12 Google Chrome Shortcuts Everyone Should Know
Keyboard shortcuts are immensely useful! If you’re using Google Chrome to browse the internet, we have a few neat shortcuts to share with you.
How to Transfer Your Old VHS Tapes to a Computer
Do you have old family videos on VHS? It's time to make them digital so you can share them with all the family more easily! This video will show you how.
Unlock iOS 18 Early: Your Installation Guide
Follow this guide to install iOS 18 Beta on your device easily.
Guide: How to Take a Screenshot on ANY Device
This quick guide will help you take a screenshot on your on your Windows PC, Android device, Mac, iPhone, Chromebook, and more.
Visit an Ancient Map Collection With Thousands of Works!
Visit this great, free collection for an enlightening journey through the annals of cartography.
Busting 12 Password Myths to Safeguard Your Online Life
Don’t fall for these common password myths.
Protect Your iPhone Today With These Handy Tips
Protect your privacy and improve your iPhone’s battery life by disabling these settings.
Make Your Browser Safer With This Handy Guide!
Make your browser more secure by following these easy tips.
Laptop Won't Power Up? Try These 11 Effective Solutions
Laptop not starting? Try these essential steps to troubleshoot it.
You Can Now Speak With ChatGPT on Your Whatsapp!
et’s explore what 1-800-ChatGPT offers, how to use it effectively, and why this innovation makes interacting with AI more seamless.
Is Google Going to Demand Payment for Its New Searches?
Google might start charging for access to search results that use generative artificial intelligence tools.
My Email Has Been Hacked! What Should I Do Next?
Don’t panic if your email has been breached. Just follow these steps to secure yourself.
SHOCKING: This is How Easily We Get Hacked by Cyber Crooks
Hackers can get almost any piece of information from us, without us even knowing. This will really make you think twice.
The Most Useful Keyboard Tricks for Microsoft Word
These Word Tricks are guaranteed to make you a master of typing!
6 Ways You're Killing Your PC Without Realizing It
Want your PC to last longer? Stop making these mistakes now!
Simplify Finances With These Budget Apps for Families
Try these money mangement tools to simplify your finances in 2025
Best ChatGPT Prompts for 2024
Let's explore some great prompts you can start with on your AI adventure, either for fun or for productivity or knowledge.
12 Amazing Internet Radio Stations to Spice Up Your Day!
Check out these 12 fantastic internet radio stations.
This Site Will Allow You to Copy the Text Off Any Photo!
We are here to introduce you to a website that can assist in such situations by extracting text from images for easy editing, copying, recording and distribution.
7 Clear Indicators Your Home Router Needs to Be Changed
Is your router in need of an upgrade? Watch out for these signs.
Simple Ways to Boost Slow Download Speeds on Chrome
Downloads in Google Chrome too slow? These tips will help.
Struggling with Slow iPhone Internet? Try These Tips
iPhone running slow again? Here’s how you boost your speed…
The Windows Recycle Bin Isn’t Just for Trash—Here’s Why
Did you know about these cool features of the Windows Recycle Bin?
GUIDE: What to Do if Your Online Accounts Have Been Hacked
If you suspect that your account has been compromised or if it becomes evident that it has indeed been hacked, there are certain steps you should take.
Are Your Cables a Mess? 9 Easy Tips to Easily Organize
Organize your messy computer cables with these simple and easy tricks.
8 Insanely Useful Websites You Need to Bookmark Right Now
These insanely useful websites will help simplify your life.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.