Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 11 hrs ago
Gboard privacy settings let users limit data collection
Gboard is Google’s keyboard app for Android phones, and it can see what people type.
An Android Police writer looked more closely at its privacy settings and decided to limit some data collection.
The app can send Google information such as which app is being used, typing duration, word length and language.
The data can also include an Android ID, which may be linked to a person through information associated with a Google account.
The writer says Google does not receive a copy of everything typed, but information from typing may still reveal more than expected.
Gboard also offers controls for usage data and for learning typing habits to personalize suggestions.
The writer changed settings to reduce tracking and personalization, while keeping the keyboard they were used to.
A writer for Android Police changed Gboard privacy settings after reviewing the data the keyboard collects.
The article says Gboard can send Google usage information, including which app a person types in, typing duration, word length and languages used.
It also says collected data can include an Android ID that may be linked to a user through information associated with a Google account.
The writer turned off usage tracking and personalization features because they were uncomfortable with the data collection.
Gboard’s Privacy controls can be reached through the keyboard settings or through Android’s system settings.
- Who
- An Android Police writer who uses Gboard.
- What
- The writer changed Gboard privacy settings to limit data collection and personalization.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- In Gboard’s Privacy settings on an Android device.
- Why
- The writer was uncomfortable with usage data being collected and typing being used to improve Google’s models.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I have used Gboard for years without considering what happens to everything I type.
I wasn't comfortable with so much usage data being collected and with my typing being used to improve Google's models by default.
The writer reconsidered Gboard’s privacy practices and reviewed its settings.
Android Police published the writer’s account of changing Gboard’s privacy settings.
- Publication date
- October 11, 2026
- Keyboard
- Gboard
- Usage information
- Which app a person types in, typing duration, word length and languages used
- Potential identifier
- Android ID
- Settings path
- Settings > System > Keyboard > Gboard > Privacy
Sources
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