How to stop Google from recording my applications usage on Android?

Question

When I went to see Google's My Activity, I noticed it actually recorded several elements from my usage of applications on my phone (Nexus 5X, with Android 7). For instance, it showed me that it knew I opened a game yesterday, as well as several other applications.



I don't remember seeing this when I was using Android 6, though I haven't used My Activity extensively so I don't know.



Is it possible to prevent Google from collecting this stalking personal data at all? If yes, how?


— Olivier Grégoire | Sources

Answer

Yes, you can prevent this data's collection by Google.



Log into your Google account on the web and visit "My Account".



From the section "Personal Info and Privacy" select
"Manage Your Google Activity"/Activity.



Selectively remove permissions from the presented sections:




  1. "Web & App Activity",

  2. "Location History",

  3. "Device Information",

  4. "Voice & Audio Activity",

  5. "YouTube Search History", or

  6. "YouTube Watch History"



Selectively turn off all or some, to taste, though you would probably get a big benefit from the first section.


— wbogacz | Sources

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