How to opt out of personalized ads on Android phones

By Sean Doyle · April 28, 2019 · 1 min read

As an Android user, you are susceptible to data retention from Google products and ads served by Google when you browse the internet, use mobile applications, read your email and make online purchases. The data collected about you by Google is used to show you personalized ads in the apps you use and on websites you visit. Android malware also can take advantage of Google ad services and serve pop-up advertisements on the home screen.

Opting out of ads personalization on your Android phone instructs apps not to use your advertising ID to build profiles or show you personalized ads. These types of ads are also referred to as ‘interest-based ads’ and when you opt out of interest-based ads you will still see ads, but they may not be based on your interests and if you clear your cache, you will lose your opt-out settings.

Go to Settings.
Tap Google (Google Settings).
Tap Ads and select Opt out of Ads Personalization.
Click OK to opt out of interest-based ads.

Did you know that you can also reset your Google Advertising ID?

Tags: Privacy

Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and security researcher with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware analysis, analytics, and online marketing. He focuses on clear reporting, deep technical investigation, and practical guidance that helps readers stay safe in a fast-moving digital landscape. His work continues to appear in respected publications, including articles written for Private Internet Access. Through Botcrawl and his ongoing cybersecurity coverage, Sean provides trusted insights on data breaches, malware threats, and online safety for individuals and businesses worldwide.

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