{"id":1557,"date":"2023-10-17T07:03:53","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T14:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=1557"},"modified":"2026-08-10T06:03:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T13:03:14","slug":"google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Google Listening to Me? Understanding Google\u2019s Voice Features"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Is Google spying on me?<\/em> If you use Google Assistant or Gemini, your device may listen for a wake word, such as \u201cHey Google,\u201d to respond to voice commands.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains how Google\u2019s voice features work, what data they collect, how to manage your voice and privacy settings, and the steps you can take to better protect your personal data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><div style=\"background-color: #cfe2f3; padding: 1em; border-radius: 1em;\"><p>While managing your Google settings helps you control what data it collects, you can add a VPN to your arsenal for added protection. PIA encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address whenever you connect to our server. This makes it harder for your ISP or third parties to monitor your online activity, especially on public and shared networks.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online?conversionpoint=google_listening_me\"><button class=\"bg-btn-1\"> Get PIA VPN<\/button><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #d5dde3; padding: 15px; border-radius: 10px; max-width: 500px;\">\n<h4>Table of Contents<\/h4>\n<a href=\"#WhyDoes\">Why Does Your Phone Listen To You?<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#TheRisks\">The Risks of Being Overheard<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#IsGoogle\">Is Google Listening to Me All the Time?<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#IsItLegal\">Is It Legal for Google to Listen to You?<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#WheretoFind\">Where to Find Your Google Recordings<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#HowtoStopYourPhone\">How to Stop Your Phone from Listening to You<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#HowtoStopYouriPhone\">How to Stop Your iPhone from Listening to You<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#PrivacyTips\">Privacy Tips to Protect Your Data on Smartphones<\/a><br>\n<a href=\"#FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><br><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WhyDoes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Does Your Phone Listen To You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many smartphones <strong>listen for voice commands so voice assistants can respond<\/strong> when you say a wake word or activate them manually.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes Google Assistant and Gemini on Android devices, Siri on iPhones, and other apps that you\u2019ve given microphone permission to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether Google records or stores anything depends on which voice features you\u2019ve enabled, your privacy settings, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-review-permissions-given-to-your-mobile-apps\/\">permissions you\u2019ve granted to individual apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"TheRisks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Risks of Being Overheard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voice recordings can contain sensitive personal information, so it\u2019s important to think about how they\u2019re stored and protected. If they\u2019re exposed in a data breach or someone gains unauthorized access to your account, <strong>someone could misuse these for fraud, identity theft, or other forms of impersonation<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI voice cloning has also introduced new risks. Criminals may be able to use these recordings to create convincing impersonations for scams or to bypass voice-based verification systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Governments and law enforcement agencies may also require companies to disclose user data, depending on local laws.<\/strong> In some countries, privacy advocates have raised concerns that broad access to stored personal data, including voice recordings, could affect personal privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/data-harvesting\/\">What Is Data Harvesting? Definition, Risks, and Protection<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"IsGoogle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Google Listening to Me All the Time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not exactly. <strong>Google Assistant and Gemini remain in a standby mode until they\u2019re activated.<\/strong> Official Google documentation says the device processes short snippets of audio to detect activation and that these snippets aren\u2019t sent to its servers \u2013 this only happens if the assistant is activated.\u00b9\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However,<strong> unintended activations can still happen<\/strong>. For example, background noise or speech that resembles a wake word may activate the assistant.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether Google saves audio from those interactions depends on the Google service and your settings. For example, Google Assistant\u2019s <em>Voice &amp; Audio Activity<\/em> setting controls whether Google saves recordings to your account. It\u2019s off by default, so they\u2019re not saved unless you choose to enable it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google may also use audio from some voice interactions to <strong>improve its speech recognition technology and voice services<\/strong>, depending on the service and settings.\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"DoesGoogleUse\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does Google Use Your Conversations for Advertising?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google denies using voice recordings for ad personalization, but many people remain skeptical, and <strong>concerns about its voice features have continued to prompt legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Google, it can base ad personalization on other information associated with your Google account, such as your search activity.<sup>3<\/sup> This depends on your settings, which you can review through <em>Google Activity Controls<\/em> and <em>My Ad Center.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"IsItLegal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Legal for Google to Listen to You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether Google\u2019s voice features are legal depends on how they\u2019re used and the laws in your country or region. In many jurisdictions, <strong>companies can collect and process voice data if users give consent<\/strong>, such as accepting terms of service or enabling voice features.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google has faced legal challenges over allegations that Google Assistant unintentionally recorded private conversations and disclosed some recordings to third-party reviewers. In 2026, Google and its parent company, Alphabet, agreed to pay $68 million to settle a lawsuit over those allegations.<sup>4<\/sup> Google denied wrongdoing and settled the case without admitting liability.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The settlement doesn\u2019t mean Google admits its voice features are illegal.<\/strong> Instead, the settlement resolved the claims without a court ruling on whether Google had violated the law.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WheretoFind\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find Your Google Recordings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google lets you review, listen to, and delete voice recordings saved to your account. <strong>Where you find them depends on the Google service used and the activity settings enabled on your account.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google can save Assistant recordings under <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em>, while you might find Gemini recordings under <em>Gemini Apps Activity<\/em>. Google is also rolling out <em>Search Services History<\/em> for Search and Maps, so some accounts may now find voice search recordings there instead.<sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-access-web-amp-app-activity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Access Web &amp; App Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The steps below explain how to find and manage recordings saved through <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-on-a-browser\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">On a Browser<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Navigate to your Google Account<em> <\/em>and sign in (or visit <code>myactivity.google.com<\/code>). Select <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35-1024x576.png\" alt=\"My Google Activity screen with Web &amp; App Activity highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-35.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select <em>Manage All Web &amp; App Activity<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Google Activity controls screen with Manage All Web &amp; App Activity highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-50.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-on-android\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">On Android<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Navigate to <em>Settings <\/em>&gt; <em>Google<\/em>. Click on your profile picture and select <em>Manage your Google Account<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-37-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Android phone screen showing the Manage your Google Account button.\" class=\"wp-image-40123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-37-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-37-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-37-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-37-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-37.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click <em>Data &amp; privacy<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-41-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Android phone screen showing the Data and privacy option highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-41-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-41-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-41-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-41-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-41.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u00a0Open <em>Web &amp; App Activity.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-45-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Android phone screen showing the Web &amp; App Activity option highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-45-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-45-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-45-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-45-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-45.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><div style=\"background-color: #cfe2f3; padding: 1em; border-radius: 1em;\"><p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Deleting activity from <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em> only removes data stored in this section. It doesn\u2019t delete recordings that Google may save elsewhere in your Google account.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-manage-recordings-in-web-amp-app-activity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manage Recordings in Web &amp; App Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Google doesn\u2019t currently provide a separate view for saved audio recordings.<\/strong> In <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em>, recordings appear alongside other activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can delete individual recordings, but Google\u2019s bulk deletion and auto-delete options also remove other web and app activity within the selected period. There\u2019s also <strong>no dedicated filter for showing only recordings<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find these, you\u2019ll need to look through your entire <em>Web &amp; App Activity <\/em>section. The process is the same on both desktop and mobile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Browse the activity list for recordings marked with an audio icon.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <em>Details<\/em> to see when Google recorded an interaction or <em>View recording<\/em> to listen to it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To remove a recording, select the delete icon next to the entry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return to <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em> and turn off <em>Include voice and audio activity <\/em>if you don\u2019t want Google to save future recordings.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-your-voice-search-history-from-amazon-google-or-siri\/\">How To Remove Your Voice Search History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-manage-gemini-activity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manage Gemini Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how to see your activity on Gemini via browser or app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-on-a-browser-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">On a Browser<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Navigate to <code>gemini.google.com<\/code> in any browser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <em>Settings &amp; help &gt; Activity<\/em> (or go to <em>Gemini Apps Activity<\/em>). Here you can review or delete your Gemini activity or turn off <em>Keep Activity<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Gemini Apps Activity screen with the Keep activity option turned off.\" class=\"wp-image-40147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-51.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-in-the-gemini-app\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In the Gemini App<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open the Gemini app, tap your profile picture, and select <em>Gemini Apps Activity<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-40-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Gemini app screen with Gemini Apps activity option highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-40-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-40-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-40-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-40-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-40.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review or delete your Gemini activity. You can also turn off <em>Keep Activity<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-47-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Gemini Apps activity screen with Keep activity option turned off.\" class=\"wp-image-40137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-47-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-47-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-47-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-47-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-47.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"HowtoStopYourPhone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Stop Your Phone from Listening to You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can reduce how often your phone listens for voice commands and control which apps have access to your microphone. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"TurnOffGoogle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turn Off Google Assistant on Gemini on Android<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can either turn off the assistant completely or keep it enabled while disabling wake word activation. Note that the exact options may vary between devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-turn-your-default-assistant-off-completely\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turn Your Default Assistant off Completely<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <em>Settings<\/em> and go to <em>Apps<\/em> &gt; <em>Default apps<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <em>Digital assistant app<\/em>, <em>Default assistant<\/em>, or <em>Assistant app<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-52-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Android Default apps screen with Digital assistant app highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-52-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-52-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-52-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-52-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-52.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From the options, choose <em>None<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-53-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Android Default digital assistant app screen with None highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-53-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-53-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-53-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-53-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-53.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To keep using Gemini without voice activation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open the <em>Gemini <\/em>app. Tap your profile picture, then <em>Settings<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-38-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Gemini app with Settings in the menu highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-38-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-38-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-38-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-38-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-38.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <em>Talk to Gemini hands-free<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-46-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Gemini settings screen with Talk to Gemini hands-free highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-46-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-46-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-46-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-46-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-46.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn off <em>Hey Google<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-42-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Hey Google and Voice Match Settings screen with Hey Google assistant option turned to off.\" class=\"wp-image-40132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-42-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-42-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-42-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-42-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-42.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><div style=\"background-color: #cfe2f3; padding: 1em; border-radius: 1em;\"><p><strong>Note:<\/strong> On many Android devices, you can also stop the Assistant from launching when you press and hold the power button. Go to <em>Settings<\/em> and search for <em>Gestures<\/em> &gt; <em>Launch digital assistant<\/em>. Toggle off <em>Press &amp; hold power button<\/em>. Exact options vary by device but instructions are similar.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-remove-microphone-permissions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remove Microphone Permissions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an app doesn\u2019t need microphone access to work, you can remove or limit the permissions. Follow these steps and repeat them for any other apps that don\u2019t require microphone access:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <em>Settings<\/em> &gt; <em>Apps<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select the app you want to review and choose <em>Permissions <\/em>or <em>App Permissions<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tap the microphone option.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"2048\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-39.png\" alt=\"Gemini app permissions screen with Microphone highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40125\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Depending on how much access you want to give the app, choose <em>Allow only while using the app<\/em>, <em>Ask every time<\/em>, or <em>Don\u2019t Allow<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-55-461x1024.png\" alt=\"Gemini app Microphone permission screen with three options: Allow while using the app, Ask every time, or Don't allow.\" class=\"wp-image-40153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-55-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-55-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-55-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-55-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-55.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"HowtoStopYouriPhone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Stop Your iPhone from Listening to You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google may not have the same kind of access to your data on iOS devices. However, iOS devices use Siri, a personal assistant that wakes via voice command. Here\u2019s how to limit what Siri and Google can track on your iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-disable-siri\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disable Siri<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <em>Settings<\/em> and tap <em>Apple Intelligence &amp; Siri<\/em> (or <em>Siri<\/em> on other iOS versions).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-43-461x1024.png\" alt=\"iPhone Settings menu with Siri selected.\" class=\"wp-image-40133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-43-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-43-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-43-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-43-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-43.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tap <em>Talk to Siri<\/em> (or <em>Talk &amp; Type to Siri<\/em>, depending on your iOS).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-44-461x1024.png\" alt=\"iPhone Siri menu with Talk to Siri selected.\" class=\"wp-image-40136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-44-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-44-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-44-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-44-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-44.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select <em>Off<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-57-461x1024.png\" alt=\"iPhone Talk to Siri menu with Off selected.\" class=\"wp-image-40155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-57-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-57-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-57-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-57-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-57.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-review-microphone-permissions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review Microphone Permissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with Android, Apple requires apps to request your permission before they can use the microphone, and you can change that access at any time. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Got to <em>Settings<\/em> &gt; <em>Privacy &amp; Security.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-48-461x1024.png\" alt=\"iPhone Settings menu with Privacy and Security highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-48-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-48-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-48-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-48-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-48.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select <em>Microphone<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-59-461x1024.png\" alt=\"iPhone Privacy &amp; Security settings with Microphone highlighted.\" class=\"wp-image-40157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-59-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-59-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-59-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-59-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-59.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the list of apps that have access and disable any that don\u2019t need it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-60-461x1024.png\" alt=\"iPhone Microphone settings with a list of apps that have Microphone access enabled.\" class=\"wp-image-40158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-60-461x1024.png 461w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-60-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-60-768x1706.png 768w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-60-692x1536.png 692w, https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-60.png 922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 85vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"PrivacyTips\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Privacy Tips to Protect Your Data on Smartphones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing your voice settings and app permissions are only one part of protecting your privacy. These additional practices can help reduce the amount of data you share and improve your overall security:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Download apps from trusted sources:<\/strong> Use official app stores, such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, to reduce the risk of downloading malicious or fake apps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep your phone up to date:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/lets-talk-about-software-updates-why-they-matter\/\">Install software updates<\/a> to receive the latest security patches and address new discovered vulnerabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Delete apps you don\u2019t use:<\/strong> Remove unused apps to reduce unnecessary data collection and potential security risks.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review your Google privacy settings:<\/strong> Manage your Google Activity Controls and My Ad Center settings to control how your Google stores your activity for personalization.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/why-pia\"><strong>Use a VPN<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>Add another layer of privacy when you\u2019re online with a reputable VPN with strong privacy controls. PIA VPN includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/ad-blocking-vpn\">MACE<\/a>, a built-in tool that blocks known ads, trackers, and malicious domains at the DNS level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online?conversionpoint=google_listening_me\"><button class=\"bg-btn-1\"> Get PIA VPN<\/button><\/a>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"FAQ\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925822785\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I delete my Google voice recordings?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"#WheretoFind\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#WheretoFind\">You can delete Google\u2019s voice recordings<\/a> through your Google Account. For Assistant recordings, access these through <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em> or <em>Gemini Apps Activity<\/em> for Gemini<em>.<\/em> Google is also rolling out <em>Search Services History<\/em> for Search and Maps, so you might find some recordings there instead.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925836184\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is Google listening when my phone is locked?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you\u2019ve enabled Google Assistant or Gemini, your phone can <a href=\"#IsGoogle\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#IsGoogle\">listen for a wake word while it\u2019s locked<\/a> so it can respond to voice commands.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925851319\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How does Google use my voice data?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Google says it uses voice data to respond to voice commands and <a href=\"#DoesGoogleUse\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#DoesGoogleUse\">doesn\u2019t use this data for ad personalization<\/a>. If you\u2019ve chosen to save voice recordings, Google may also use your voice data to improve speech recognition and Google\u2019s voice features.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925865470\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can Google listening be a security risk?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"#TheRisks\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#TheRisks\">Saved voice recordings can present a security risk<\/a> if they\u2019re exposed through unauthorized account access or a data breach. Criminals may use stolen recordings in impersonation scams or AI voice-cloning attacks.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925880516\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is Google violating my privacy by listening?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"#IsItLegal\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#IsItLegal\">Whether Google is violating privacy depends<\/a> on the circumstances and the laws that apply. Google has faced lawsuits over its voice features but denies wrongdoing. The cases have raised broader questions about transparency, consent, and how Google handles voice data.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925895011\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does Google listen for targeted advertising?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">According to Google, no. While lawsuits have alleged otherwise, <a href=\"#DoesGoogleUse\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#DoesGoogleUse\">Google has denied those claims<\/a> and there hasn\u2019t been a court ruling that found it used ambient conversations for targeted advertising.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925907482\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I disable \u201cHey Google\u201d or \u201cOK Google\u201d detection?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. You can turn off \u201cHey Google\u201d or \u201cOK Google\u201d detection without disabling your digital assistant completely. <a href=\"#TurnOffGoogle\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#TurnOffGoogle\">Follow these instructions<\/a> to update your voice activation settings.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785925920977\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How accurate is Google\u2019s speech recognition?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Google\u2019s speech recognition is generally accurate, but its performance depends on factors such as audio quality, background noise, the language spoken, and how clearly someone speaks. Like other speech recognition systems, it can also make mistakes with some accents, dialects, or uncommon words.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-references\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/assistant\/answer\/11091714\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">How Google Assistant is designed for your privacy \u2013 Google<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/accounts\/answer\/6030020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Manage audio recordings in your Web &amp; App Activity \u2013 Google<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/websearch\/answer\/17026260\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search services \u2013 Google<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/boards-policy-regulation\/google-settles-google-assistant-privacy-lawsuit-68-million-2026-01-26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google settles Google Assistant privacy lawsuit for $68 million \u2013 Reuters<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/websearch\/answer\/17028154\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Manage your saved media in Search Services History \u2013 Google<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Google spying on me? If you use Google Assistant or Gemini, your device may listen for a wake word, such as \u201cHey Google,\u201d to respond to voice commands.\u00a0 This guide explains how Google\u2019s voice features work, what data they collect, how to manage your voice and privacy settings, and the steps you can take &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Is Google Listening to Me? Understanding Google\u2019s Voice Features&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":40381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is Google Listening to Me? Everything You Need to Know | PIA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Does it always feel like Google\u2019s listening in? 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With a background in education and content writing across multiple industries, she enjoys turning complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand guides. Away from the keyboard, you'll usually find her tackling a new craft project, spending time in nature, or cuddling her dog.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/author\/jessica-white\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925822785\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925822785\",\"name\":\"How do I delete my Google voice recordings?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"#WheretoFind\\\" type=\\\"internal\\\" id=\\\"#WheretoFind\\\">You can delete Google\u2019s voice recordings<\/a> through your Google Account. For Assistant recordings, access these through <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em> or <em>Gemini Apps Activity<\/em> for Gemini<em>.<\/em> Google is also rolling out <em>Search Services History<\/em> for Search and Maps, so you might find some recordings there instead.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925836184\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925836184\",\"name\":\"Is Google listening when my phone is locked?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If you've enabled Google Assistant or Gemini, your phone can <a href=\\\"#IsGoogle\\\" type=\\\"internal\\\" id=\\\"#IsGoogle\\\">listen for a wake word while it's locked<\/a> so it can respond to voice commands.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925851319\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925851319\",\"name\":\"How does Google use my voice data?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Google says it uses voice data to respond to voice commands and <a href=\\\"#DoesGoogleUse\\\" type=\\\"internal\\\" id=\\\"#DoesGoogleUse\\\">doesn\u2019t use this data for ad personalization<\/a>. If you've chosen to save voice recordings, Google may also use your voice data to improve speech recognition and Google's voice features.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925865470\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925865470\",\"name\":\"Can Google listening be a security risk?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"#TheRisks\\\" type=\\\"internal\\\" id=\\\"#TheRisks\\\">Saved voice recordings can present a security risk<\/a> if they're exposed through unauthorized account access or a data breach. 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With a background in education and content writing across multiple industries, she enjoys turning complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand guides. Away from the keyboard, you'll usually find her tackling a new craft project, spending time in nature, or cuddling her dog.","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/author\/jessica-white\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925822785","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925822785","name":"How do I delete my Google voice recordings?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<a href=\"#WheretoFind\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#WheretoFind\">You can delete Google\u2019s voice recordings<\/a> through your Google Account. For Assistant recordings, access these through <em>Web &amp; App Activity<\/em> or <em>Gemini Apps Activity<\/em> for Gemini<em>.<\/em> Google is also rolling out <em>Search Services History<\/em> for Search and Maps, so you might find some recordings there instead.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925836184","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925836184","name":"Is Google listening when my phone is locked?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you've enabled Google Assistant or Gemini, your phone can <a href=\"#IsGoogle\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#IsGoogle\">listen for a wake word while it's locked<\/a> so it can respond to voice commands.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925851319","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925851319","name":"How does Google use my voice data?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Google says it uses voice data to respond to voice commands and <a href=\"#DoesGoogleUse\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#DoesGoogleUse\">doesn\u2019t use this data for ad personalization<\/a>. If you've chosen to save voice recordings, Google may also use your voice data to improve speech recognition and Google's voice features.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925865470","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925865470","name":"Can Google listening be a security risk?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<a href=\"#TheRisks\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#TheRisks\">Saved voice recordings can present a security risk<\/a> if they're exposed through unauthorized account access or a data breach. Criminals may use stolen recordings in impersonation scams or AI voice-cloning attacks.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925880516","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925880516","name":"Is Google violating my privacy by listening?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<a href=\"#IsItLegal\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#IsItLegal\">Whether Google is violating privacy depends<\/a> on the circumstances and the laws that apply. Google has faced lawsuits over its voice features but denies wrongdoing. The cases have raised broader questions about transparency, consent, and how Google handles voice data.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925895011","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925895011","name":"Does Google listen for targeted advertising?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"According to Google, no. While lawsuits have alleged otherwise, <a href=\"#DoesGoogleUse\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#DoesGoogleUse\">Google has denied those claims<\/a> and there hasn't been a court ruling that found it used ambient conversations for targeted advertising.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925907482","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925907482","name":"Can I disable \u201cHey Google\u201d or \u201cOK Google\u201d detection?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. You can turn off \"Hey Google\" or \"OK Google\" detection without disabling your digital assistant completely. <a href=\"#TurnOffGoogle\" type=\"internal\" id=\"#TurnOffGoogle\">Follow these instructions<\/a> to update your voice activation settings.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925920977","position":8,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/google-chrome-listening-in-to-your-room-shows-the-importance-of-privacy-defense-in-depth\/#faq-question-1785925920977","name":"How accurate is Google\u2019s speech recognition?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Google's speech recognition is generally accurate, but its performance depends on factors such as audio quality, background noise, the language spoken, and how clearly someone speaks. Like other speech recognition systems, it can also make mistakes with some accents, dialects, or uncommon words.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/163"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1557"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40168,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1557\/revisions\/40168"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}