Google $135 Million Android Class Action Settlement, 100+ Million Users Get Automatic Payments Up To $100 For Cellular Data Tracking—No Claim Form Required 2026
Google has agreed to a $135,000,000 settlement that would resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that the tech giant unlawfully surveilled and collected private information from cellular data purchased by Android users from their mobile providers each month, via undisclosed device programming to effectively fund its targeted advertising business.
The proposed settlement class excludes California-based Android users who are covered by a separate proposed class action pending in state court on behalf of approximately 14 million users in the state that settled for $314.6 million in July 2025. As of January 28, 2026, the settlement awaits preliminary approval from U.S. District Court Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi—and if approved, over 100 million eligible Android users will receive automatic payments capped at $100 each sent directly to their PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle accounts with zero paperwork required.
What Is The Google Android Settlement About?
Plaintiffs Joseph Taylor, Mick Cleary and Jennifer Nelson filed a motion seeking preliminary approval of the Google class action settlement on Jan. 28 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
The plaintiffs alleged Google’s Android operating system used consumers’ cellular data even when their devices were idle or connected to Wi-Fi. “While the plaintiffs’ Android devices are in their purses and pockets, and even while sitting seemingly idle on the plaintiffs’ nightstands as they sleep, Google’s Android operating system secretly appropriates cellular data paid for by the plaintiffs”, the lawsuit states.
According to the lawsuit, beginning November 12, 2017, Android devices transmitted information from system services to Google servers using cellular networks. These communications occurred in the background, including when users were not actively interacting with their devices and when screens were locked.
The legal theory: Users said the data supported Google’s product development and targeted advertising campaigns and amounted to “conversion,” when a party wrongfully takes another party’s property with the intent to assert control. The Ninth Circuit previously overturned the judge’s dismissal of the lawsuit, finding the plaintiffs had adequately alleged that Android users had a property interest in their cellular data.
Similar to how the Google $68M Settlement 2026, Who Qualifies And How To File A Claim For Your Payout Secret Voice Recordings addressed privacy violations, this Android data settlement acknowledges Google’s background data transfers consumed cellular data that users paid for themselves.
Who Is Eligible For Automatic Payments?
Under the terms of the Google settlement, the company will establish a $135 million nonreversionary settlement fund to compensate a proposed class of more than 100 million Americans who used Android-powered smartphones with cellular data plans provided by mobile carriers between Nov. 12, 2017 and the date of preliminary approval.
You are automatically eligible if you:
- Used an Android-powered smartphone in the United States (excluding California)
- Had a cellular data plan from any mobile carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.)
- Used your device between November 12, 2017 and approximately January 28, 2026
California residents are excluded because they’re covered by a separate $314.6 million settlement approved in July 2025 after a Santa Clara County Superior Court jury found Google unlawfully caused Android devices to secretly send information over cellular networks.
The proposed agreement stipulates that Android settlement class members will not need to do anything to automatically receive a one-time, pro-rated cash payment capped at $100 per class member.
How Much Will You Receive And How Will You Get Paid?
Cash payments will be a prorated share of what remains in the net settlement fund after the payment of attorneys’ fees, settlement administration costs and lead plaintiff service awards.
Class members can expect to receive their cash payout via electronic payment (PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle), which will be sent to accounts associated with the user email addresses and phone numbers in Google’s systems.
Payment amounts depend on:
- Total number of eligible class members
- Attorneys’ fees (plaintiffs’ attorneys may request up to $39.8 million)
- Administrative costs
- Lead plaintiff service awards
With 100+ million users eligible and a $135 million fund, realistic individual payments will likely range from $1 to $10 per person—though the settlement caps individual payments at $100 maximum.
What Injunctive Relief Is Google Providing?
Additionally, as part of the settlement, Google has agreed to significant injunctive relief to more adequately protect the private information of Android users.
Google must now:
Disclose the conduct at issue through a flow screen to Android users and obtain their express, informed consent upon setting up their Android device.
Update the Google Play Terms of Service and Help Center pages to include information about the possibility of Android users’ cellular data being transferred.
Take measures to deactivate the Google Play services “allow background data usage” toggle, to avoid creating the false impression that all relevant transfers are disabled when the toggle is off.
According to the plaintiffs, the prospective injunctive relief would avoid the theft of approximately $300 million worth of cellular data per year.
New Android users would be required to provide express consent during device setup, and the agreement also calls for disabling a background data toggle that plaintiffs said did not stop the transfers described in the case.
Current Status And Timeline
January 27, 2026: The proposed Google settlement agreement was submitted to the court.
January 28, 2026: Plaintiffs filed motion for preliminary approval.
Pending: Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi must grant preliminary approval.
Next Steps: If approved, Google will send notices and begin distributing automatic payments.
The lawsuit began in November 2020. A trial had been scheduled for August 5 before the parties reached this settlement.
“We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe,” Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in an email. “We’re providing additional disclosures to give people more information about how our services work”.
Google denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid continued litigation.
Similar to the Google Privacy Lawsuit, $425M Verdict Under Appeal Plus New Children’s Privacy Settlements—What Users Need To Know (2026), Google continues to face mounting privacy litigation across multiple fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly Is This Settlement About?
Plaintiffs alleged that the transfers consumed cellular data purchased by users from mobile carriers and took place without meaningful consent, with Google using this data for targeted advertising and product development.
Do I Need To File A Claim Form?
No. Android settlement class members will not need to do anything to automatically receive a one-time, pro-rated cash payment. Payments will be sent automatically to email addresses and phone numbers in Google’s systems.
How Many People Are Eligible?
Over 100 million Americans who used Android devices with cellular data plans between November 12, 2017 and January 2026 (excluding California residents).
When Will I Receive My Payment?
After the court grants preliminary and final approval—likely several months from now. ClassAction.org will update this page when the official Android data tracking settlement page is live.
Why Are California Users Excluded?
California Android users are covered by a separate proposed class action that settled for $314.6 million after a Santa Clara County Superior Court jury in July 2025 found that Google unlawfully caused Android devices to secretly send certain information over cellular networks for Google’s own purposes.
Where Can I Find Official Settlement Information?
Monitor court dockets at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. An official settlement website will be announced after preliminary approval.
Last Updated: February 6, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Google Android class action settlement. It is not legal advice. Google denies all allegations. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Your cellular data belongs to you. If you’re an eligible Android user, watch for automatic payment notifications in the coming months.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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