$135M Google Android data transfer class action settlement

Google agreed to a $135 million class action settlement to resolve claims that it used Android devices to transfer information to Google without user permission, consuming cellular data.

The Google class action settlement benefits consumers who have used mobile devices running the Android operating system to access the internet through cellular data networks since Nov. 12, 2017.

According to the class action lawsuit, Google’s Android operating system caused devices to transfer information to Google without user permission. The transfers allegedly took place in the background, even when devices were idle and not in use.

The plaintiffs in the case say that Google could have made these transfers happen only when devices were connected to Wi-Fi but instead chose to use cellular data. This unauthorized use of cellular data allegedly violated the law and required Google to compensate users for the cellular data used for its own benefit.

Google has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $135 million class action settlement to resolve the allegations.

Under the terms of the Google settlement, class members can receive a cash payment. Exact payment amounts will vary depending on the number of participating class members and the amount each class member paid for cellular data while using Android devices.

According to the settlement website, there are approximately 100 million class members. Each class member is expected to receive the same amount from the settlement fund, but exact payment amounts are not available at this time.

If any funds remain in the settlement after distribution, the settlement administrator may redistribute the funds to class members who were previously paid successfully. If it is not economically feasible to redistribute the funds, they will be distributed to an organization approved by the court. No remaining funds will be returned to Google.

The settlement also includes non-monetary benefits. Google will update its Google Play Terms of Service, a page in Google’s Help Center and the setup screens shown to Android users during device setup. These updates will disclose the conduct at issue in the lawsuit and ask users to consent to it. Google will also disable a related setting on Android devices.

The deadline for exclusion and objection to the class action settlement is May 29, 2026.

The final approval hearing for the Google settlement is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

No claim form is required to benefit from the settlement. Class members who do not exclude themselves will automatically receive settlement benefits. Class members who wish to receive their payment via direct deposit or another method must select their preferred payment method on the settlement website.