$135M Google Android Data Transfer Settlement, Are You Eligible to Claim? Claim Before May 9, 2026

Google has agreed to a $135,000,000 class action settlement to resolve claims that Android devices secretly transferred data to Google servers using consumers’ cellular plans without permission. The lawsuit alleged these “passive” transfers occurred even when phones were idle or connected to Wi-Fi. You may be eligible for a cash payment if you used an Android device with a cellular data plan in the U.S. anytime since November 12, 2017. The deadline to take action is May 9, 2026.

Quick Facts

Field	Detail
Settlement Amount	$135,000,000
Claim Deadline	May 9, 2026
Who Qualifies	U.S. Android users with cellular plans since Nov. 12, 2017
Payout Per Person	Up to $100 (estimated)
Proof Required	No
Settlement Status	Preliminarily Approved
Administrator	TBD
Official Website	FederalCellularClassAction.com

Current Status & What Happens Next

• Preliminary Approval: The court granted preliminary approval for the settlement on March 5, 2026.
• Key Deadlines: Class members must submit a claim or select a payment method by May 9, 2026. The deadline to opt out or object is May 29, 2026.
• Final Hearing: A judge will decide whether to grant final approval to the deal on June 23, 2026.

What Is the Google Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit, Taylor, et al. v. Google LLC, alleges that Google’s Android operating system was designed to “secretly appropriate” cellular data that users paid for. According to the plaintiffs, Android devices transmitted information to Google’s servers in the background, even when the phone was sitting idle on a nightstand or tucked in a pocket.

Consumers argued that Google could have waited for a Wi-Fi connection to transfer this internal system data but chose to use expensive cellular data instead. The lawsuit claimed this practice violated consumer privacy and led to unauthorized data charges.

Google denies any legal wrongdoing or that it misled users. However, the company agreed to the $135 million settlement to end the litigation, which has lasted over five years and involved a deep dive into Android’s proprietary source code.

Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?

You may qualify for a payment from this settlement if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a resident of the United States.
• You used a mobile device running the Android operating system to access the internet.
• You had a cellular data plan through a mobile carrier.
• Your usage occurred between November 12, 2017, and the date the final judgment is signed.

Note: You are excluded from this federal settlement if you are a member of the class in a separate, similar California state lawsuit known as Csupo v. Google LLC.

Related article: $300K Seafood City Supermarket BIPA Settlement, Are You Eligible for a Cash Payout? Claim Before June 1

How Much Can You Receive?

The settlement creates a $135,000,000 fund to pay class members, administrative costs, and legal fees.

• Maximum Payment: Individual payouts are capped at $100 per person.
• Pro-Rata Adjustment: The final amount will likely be less than $100. Because there are an estimated 100 million eligible users, the actual payment will depend on how many people participate.
• Non-Monetary Benefits: Google must also change its practices. This includes updating the Google Play Terms of Service to clearly explain background data transfers and requiring “affirmative consent” from users during the setup of new devices.

How to File a Claim

Most eligible users will receive benefits automatically, but you must visit the website to ensure your payment reaches you via your preferred method.

1. Visit the official settlement website at FederalCellularClassAction.com.
2. Review the notice to confirm your eligibility.
3. Choose your preferred payment method (such as direct deposit, Zelle, or Venmo).
4. Provide your contact information as requested.
5. Submit your selection before the May 9, 2026, deadline.
6. Save the confirmation number provided for your records.

Estimated time to complete: 3 minutes.

Important Deadlines & Dates

Milestone	Date
Preliminary Approval	March 5, 2026
Claims/Payment Selection Deadline	May 9, 2026
Opt-Out Deadline	May 29, 2026
Objection Deadline	May 29, 2026
Final Approval Hearing	June 23, 2026
Expected Payment Date	TBD (Post-Final Approval)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

No. You do not need to hire your own lawyer to participate in this settlement. The “Class Counsel” already represents the interests of all eligible consumers. You have the right to hire your own attorney at your own expense if you choose to object to the settlement.

Is this settlement legitimate?

Yes. This is a court-approved class action settlement in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 5:20-cv-07956-VKD). You can verify this by visiting the official administrator website or checking the court’s public docket.

When will I receive my payment?

Payments are typically distributed after the court grants final approval and any potential appeals are resolved. With the final hearing set for June 23, 2026, payments likely won’t arrive until late 2026 or early 2027.

What if I missed the claim deadline?

If the May 9, 2026, deadline passes, you will generally lose your right to choose a payment method or receive a check. In many “no-claim” settlements, you might still receive a default benefit, but it is always best to act before the deadline.

Will this settlement payment affect my taxes?

Most class action settlements that reimburse for personal losses or overcharges are not considered taxable income. However, every financial situation is different. You should consult with a tax professional regarding how this specific payment might impact your filings.

How do I know if I’m in the California “Csupo” case instead?

The Csupo v. Google case is a separate state-level action. If you received a specific notice mentioning the Csupo litigation or if you are part of that specific California class, you are not eligible for this $135 million federal settlement.

What changes is Google making to Android?

As part of the deal, Google must add a clear “Accept” button to the device setup flow. This ensures users specifically agree to cellular data use for background system services. Google also agreed to fix a misleading “allow background data” toggle.

Sources & References

• Official Settlement Website: FederalCellularClassAction.com
• Court Case Filing: Taylor, et al. v. Google LLC, Case No. 5:20-cv-07956-VKD
• News Coverage: Courthouse News Service – Google Android Settlement Report

Last Updated: April 6, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal claims and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice regarding a particular situation, consult a qualified attorney.