Google uses data from your account, browsing activity, and other sources to personalise ads.
You can turn off personalised ads and limit data usage through the following steps:
1. Disable Personalised Ads via My Ad Center
Step 1: Go tohttps://adssettings.google.com and sign in to your Google Account if prompted.
Step 2: Under the “Personalised ads” section, find the toggle labeled Ad personalisation is ON.
Step 3: Click the toggle to turn it OFF.
A pop-up will appear warning about reduced ad relevance; confirm by clicking Turn off and then Got it.
Result: Google will stop using your account data to personalise ads across its services (e.g., Search, YouTube) and partner sites.
You’ll still see ads, but they’ll be based on general factors like location or search terms, not your personal data.
2. Turn Off Web & App Activity for Ads
Step 1: Go to https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity
Step 2: Select Web & App Activity.
Step 3: Toggle off, Use Web & App Activity and confirm.
Note: This stops Google from using your search and app activity for ad personalisation, but may not stop data collection for other purposes (e.g., recommendations).
You can also turn off YouTube History, Timeline and Areas where you’ve used Google in the same section to further limit ad targeting or increase security.
3. Reset or Disable Advertising ID (Android Devices)
Step 1: On your Android device, go to Settings > Google > All Services > Ads.
Step 2: Tap Reset advertising ID to clear existing data and generate a new ID, or select Opt out of Ads Personalisation to prevent apps from using the ID for targeted ads.
Note: You may need to search for “Google” or “Ads” in Settings, as the location varies by device.
Resetting the ID weekly can further reduce tracking.
You’ll still see ads, but they’ll be less targeted.
4. Manage Cookies (Optional)
Google’s Privacy Sandbox may still serve relevant ads based on browser (e.g., Topics or Protected Audience).
To limit this: Go to your browser’s settings (e.g., Chrome), and clear cookies or enable “Clear cookies and site data when you close the browser.”
Thank you.
