How to Disable Voice and Video Activity in Google: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lakshmikanth Balasundaram -

Many of us rely on Google services daily, from searching for information to watching videos on YouTube. Today, I learned that Google collects various forms of data, including voice and video activity, to enhance its services - voice & video activity took me by surprise. While this data collection can improve the accuracy of voice recognition and tailor video recommendations, it’s perfectly reasonable to want more control over what information Google stores.

If you're looking to enhance your privacy by disabling voice and video activity tracking in Google, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that you can navigate Google's settings with ease.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Voice and Video Activity

Before diving into the steps, let’s explore why you might consider turning off these features. Google uses voice and video activity to improve its services, like enhancing the accuracy of voice commands for Google Assistant or personalizing YouTube recommendations. However, this data is stored in your Google account, and for those who prioritize privacy, disabling these settings can provide peace of mind.

Step 1: Sign In to Your Google Account

First things first, you’ll need to be signed into your Google account to make any changes:

  1. Open your preferred web browser and go to myaccount.google.com.
  2. Log in using your email address and password.

Step 2: Head to the Data & Privacy Section

Once you're logged in:

  1. On the left-hand sidebar, click on Data & Privacy.
  2. Scroll down until you find the History Settings section.

This section is where Google allows you to control the different types of data it collects, including voice and video activity.

Step 3: Turn Off Voice & Audio Activity

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter:

  1. In the History Settings section, look for Voice & Audio Activity and click on it.
  2. You’ll see a toggle switch at the top of the page. If this is turned on, Google is currently saving your voice and audio activity.

To stop this:

  1. Click the toggle switch to turn it off.
  2. A pop-up window will appear, explaining what happens when you pause this activity. Google will no longer save future voice and audio recordings, but existing data will remain unless you delete it.
  3. Confirm by clicking Pause.

Step 4: Disable YouTube Video History (Optional)

If you're also concerned about Google tracking your video activity on YouTube, you can disable that as well:

  1. Return to the History Settings section.
  2. Find and click on YouTube History.
  3. Here, you have two options:
    • Pause YouTube Watch History: Stops saving videos you watch.
    • Pause YouTube Search History: Stops saving your searches on YouTube.

To disable these, simply toggle the respective switches off and confirm by clicking Pause in the pop-up that follows.

Step 5: Manage and Delete Existing Voice and Video Data (Optional)

If you’re not just looking to stop future data collection but also want to delete what’s already been saved, follow these steps:

  1. In the Voice & Audio Activity or YouTube History settings, look for a link that says Manage Activity or See & Delete Activity.
  2. Click on it, and you’ll be taken to a page where you can view all the recorded data.
  3. From here, you can choose to delete specific entries or clear all activity by selecting the appropriate options.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Privacy

In an era where our digital footprints are becoming increasingly important, taking steps to control what data is collected about you is empowering. By turning off Google’s voice and video activity tracking, you can ensure that your interactions remain private, enhancing your overall sense of security.

Remember, while these steps help maintain your privacy, they may also reduce the personalization of certain Google services. Whether it’s voice commands or video recommendations, the trade-off is between convenience and privacy. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and this guide is here to help you make the decision that best suits your needs.

Take control of your digital life—starting today!