Here’s how to change how long Google stores your location and activity data

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Data is a hot topic right now with many companies like Apple and Google continually adding tools to give users more control over their data.

While we can debate how true that is, it is still nice to see companies addressing the subject. Now, Google is rolling out more tools to give users control over how long the company stores your location and activity data.

First announced in May, the feature is now becoming available to both Android and iOS users.

How to change how long your location and activity data is stored with Google

Image: Josiah Motley / KnowTechie

To check your data options, it’s pretty simple:

1. Load up your Google account (I went through Chrome on my phone)
2. You’ll see a banner near the top of your account for Privacy & personalization
3. On that screen, click the > arrow beside Web & App Activity
4. From there, you can choose Web & App Activity or Location History
5. Click the Choose to delete automatically prompt
6. Here you’ll be presented three options – Delete manually, Keep for 18 months, Keep for 3 months

That’s it, you now have more control over how long Google stores information about your web, app, and location data and history.

While it’s a small change, it’s definitely a welcome one. The update is currently rolling out to users, with all users getting it within the next few weeks.

What do you think? Glad to see Google making these changes? Plan on editing your Google account? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Josiah Motley

Former KnowTechie editor.