Android is built on Google's ecosystem, which means significant data collection is built into its default operation. These settings meaningfully reduce it.
Google Account Data Controls
Visit myaccount.google.com from your Android device:
Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity: Turn off or enable auto-delete (3 months recommended). Data & Privacy > Location History: Turn off or enable auto-delete. Data & Privacy > YouTube History: Turn off or enable auto-delete. Data & Privacy > Ad Settings > Ad Personalization: Toggle off.
Device-Level Privacy Settings
Location
Settings > Location > App permissions Set each app to While using the app or Deny. Disable Improve Location Accuracy if you do not need it (this uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for location even when GPS is off).
Permissions Manager
Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager Review each permission category (Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Body Sensors) and revoke access from apps that have no legitimate need.
Advertising
Settings > Privacy > Ads Tap Delete advertising ID to remove the persistent identifier advertisers use to track you across apps. This creates a new random ID that has no history.
Google Play
Settings > Privacy > Activity on Google Play: Toggle off.
App Permissions Review
For each installed app: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions Audit what each app can access. Revoke permissions that are excessive for the app's function.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Scanning
Settings > Location > Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanning Disable both. These allow apps to scan for nearby networks and devices even when location is turned off — a backdoor for location tracking.
DNS Privacy
Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS Set to dns.google or dns.cloudflare.com for encrypted DNS. Or use a privacy-focused resolver like 1.1.1.1.
Install a Privacy Browser
Chrome for Android includes Google's tracking. Replace with Firefox for Android (with uBlock Origin extension) or Brave for Android.
App Store Hygiene
Only install apps from the Google Play Store — sideloaded apps from unknown sources carry higher malware risk. Regularly review installed apps and uninstall those you no longer use.
Using Temp90 on Android
For any app that requires email registration, open Chrome or your browser to Temp90, generate an address, and paste it into the app registration form. The mobile Temp90 workflow works smoothly on Android — see our dedicated mobile guide for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a non-Google Android ROM for maximum privacy?
Custom Android ROMs like GrapheneOS (for Pixel devices) or CalyxOS remove Google services and provide significantly stronger privacy. They require technical comfort to install and may affect some app functionality.
Does deleting the advertising ID make me anonymous?
Deleting and resetting the advertising ID creates a new identifier with no history, limiting behavioral profiling. You are not anonymous — other identifiers exist — but this meaningfully disrupts one significant tracking vector.
What apps should I definitely install for Android privacy?
Firefox (with uBlock Origin) or Brave for browsing, Bitwarden for passwords, Signal for messaging, and a reputable VPN for network privacy. These four address the most significant Android privacy gaps.
Conclusion
Android privacy requires active configuration at both the Google account level and the device permission level. The combination of account data controls, device-level permission management, advertising ID deletion, and browser replacement produces meaningful improvements in how much behavioral data Google and third-party advertisers can collect from your Android device.