Can I See What Google Knows About Me?

FAQs: Can I See What Google Knows About Me? And Other Common Questions

With Google constantly updating algorithms and evolving SEO best practices, keeping up with their changes can feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re actively involved in the digital space daily or simply want to better understand how to control your privacy and security online, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions the DigiTotal team receives about Google’s data tracking capabilities.

Curious if you can actually see what Google knows about you but unsure where to start? Keep reading.

Google Searches

By 2022, it’s almost impossible to find someone who hasn’t used Google Search. While some users prefer searching without signing into a Google account, many do log in and receive personalised, curated results.

This personalisation comes from a feature called Web & App Activity—a Google service that tracks search terms and browsing activities within Google apps to improve search suggestions and tailor your results.

If this sounds useful, you’re good to go! If not, remember that every Google user has the option to disable Web & App Activity. When turned off, you can still use Google Search normally, but you won’t receive personalised recommendations or have your recent searches saved.

Google Maps

Think being off the grid means Google can’t track you? Not quite.

If you’ve ever used Google Maps for directions—whether in the heart of a city or remote areas—you’ve likely allowed Google temporary or ongoing access to your location data. Some users have adjusted app permissions to share location only while using the app, while others have inadvertently allowed constant tracking.

Although this might not suit everyone, enabling location history offers advantages, such as receiving search results and recommendations based on where you’ve been. For instance, if you’ve searched for local restaurants, accommodation, or car mechanics, you’ve likely benefited from Google tailoring results based on your location history rather than random suggestions far away.

For more details on Google Location History, visit Google’s official guide.

Google Analytics

Not involved in digital marketing? Many everyday Google users aren’t familiar with Google Analytics—and that’s understandable.

Primarily used by marketers, SEO teams, and business owners, Google Analytics tracks website visitor activity, including metrics like session duration, pages per visit, and bounce rates.

On a broader scale, Google Analytics collects data from all visitors to analyze traffic types, visitor behaviours, demographics, and sometimes predictive patterns, creating comprehensive profiles to help businesses better understand their audience.

While this might seem intrusive, Google Analytics is a critical tool that helps brands tailor content, products, and services to better meet customer needs.

Commonly tracked data at the individual level includes:

• Time spent on the website and specific pages
• Referring websites visited before and after your visit
• Basic demographic info such as age range, gender, and probable location (note: VPN users may mask their true location)
• Whether you’re a new or returning visitor
• For eCommerce sites: purchase amounts, frequently viewed products, and average spending

If having your behaviour analysed to enhance your experience sounds appealing, carry on! If not, continue reading to learn how to adjust what data Google collects and stores about you.

Searches and Complementary Platforms

Ever searched on YouTube? That’s another service Google owns (since 2006) and integrates closely with your Google account.

Your YouTube experience is personalised based on your search history, watched videos, and usage patterns. This data sharing extends beyond YouTube to other Google-related services and integrated third-party apps in the Google Marketplace.

For an app to be featured on the Google Marketplace, it must meet strict integration, security, and quality standards—plus ongoing reviews.

Keep in mind, some of these apps may have commercial partnerships with Google, which influences their promotion.

Popular apps in this ecosystem include Slack, Asana, Zoom, Zapier, Podcasts, Google Calendar, invoicing software, and Microsoft Teams. If you use these apps signed in through your Google account, their Terms and Conditions likely state that both Google and the third-party providers collect and store some of your data.

How to Review Your Google Data?

Whether you’re fully comfortable with data collection or prefer to limit what’s tracked, the key to making the most of the digital world is having control over your own online experience. To achieve this, it’s essential to know how and where to check the data Google collects about you.

To review your current data, privacy, and security settings on Google, we recommend the following steps:

1. Log in to your Google account. If you prefer extra privacy during this process, you can use an Incognito browser window.
2. In the top-right corner of the page, click the grid icon (the 3×3 square dots) to open a menu with popular Google services.
3. Select ‘Account’ from the dropdown.
4. Once in your account dashboard, navigate through the menu to review your personal settings under the following sections:
   
   
   • Data and Privacy
   • Security

If you want to focus on the most relevant areas mentioned earlier, start with Data and Privacy. Here you can review and manage your settings for:

• Web & App Activity, which includes your search history and app usage
• Location History, tracking the places you’ve been
• What information you share with others
• The information you share with connected apps and services

If you want to check which third-party apps have access to your Google account data, head to the Security tab. Here, you can view and manage all apps you’ve granted permission to access certain parts of your account information.

If you’d like to start fresh or limit data collection, you can work through each tab to remove permissions, disable Web & App Activity, clear your search and location history (including Google Maps), and revoke app access.

For users interested in completely deleting their data from Google (or related search engines), see the next section on Browsing Incognito—but remember, all online activity should comply with the cybersecurity laws applicable in your region.

Finally, after making any changes, don’t forget to click Save to ensure your settings are updated.

Removing All Information Google Search Sees About You

If you want to use Google as your preferred search engine without having your information stored or tracked, we suggest disabling all tracking features, clearing your browsing history and activity for ‘All time’, and logging out of your Google account.

After that, the best approach is to use Google in a private or incognito browsing window while remaining logged out of your account whenever you access the platform or any associated Google services and apps. Keep in mind, this means you won’t be able to save or revisit your search history or recently visited pages.

It’s important to remember that local laws and regulations may govern safe browsing practices in your region. Even if you browse privately and without logging in, there are legal considerations to be aware of, and it’s challenging to completely prevent Google or other internet service providers from collecting some search data or hiding certain search results.

Changing Your Privacy Features on Google Services

Adjusting your privacy settings on Google is a deeply personal decision. Some users—like YouTube viewers—prefer having their search histories tracked to receive tailored recommendations and targeted advertising. Others may choose to opt out entirely. Which side you fall on is up to you, or sometimes influenced by workplace or organisational account policies if you’re browsing in a professional context.

No matter your preference, understanding what data Google collects about you and knowing how to update your privacy and security settings accordingly is essential. As we’ve said before, being informed and empowered to manage your own settings leads to a better online experience.

Follow for More on Google Data and Online Marketing

If you have further questions about how Google collects data, your online privacy, or targeted marketing strategies, follow the DigiTotal blog. We regularly share insights on SEO, best practices in online marketing, and tips for becoming a smarter, more informed internet user.