Android: Disable tracking functions

Numerous tracking functions that you do not need are activated on your Android smartphone. This practical tip shows you how to deactivate tracking.

Disable tracking functions on Android

Note: If necessary, you can deactivate all tracking functions of Android. Depending on the usage, some functions may be helpful for you, even if a certain amount of data is collected and stored by Google.

1. First open the "Settings" app on your Android smartphone.
2. In the "Google" category you will find the item "Personal data & privacy".
3. If you open the "Search Settings" you can deactivate the tracking function "Last Locations".
4. To do this, tap "Delete" and select the "Don't save" option. Then tap the "Save" button below.
5. In the "Activity Settings" you will find several tracking functions such as the "Web and App Activities", which you can deactivate if necessary.
6. In the "Settings for advertising" category you can also switch off personalized advertising.

Remote delete function: Deactivate Android tracking

With the "Find my device" function, you can find, lock and delete your Android smartphone if it is lost. If this access goes too far, you can switch off the function.

1. Open the "Settings" app and select the "Security" category. Some of these can be found as a subcategory in the "advanced settings".
2. Under "Device administration" or "Device administrators" you will see the item "Find my device".
3. Deactivate the option to switch off the tracking function of Android.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to protect your smartphone in a public WLAN.