Android 15
What the default settings do
Android 15 includes several privacy improvements over earlier versions, including better permission controls, a Private Space for isolating sensitive apps, and more granular control over what data apps can access. Google Play services still collect device diagnostics by default, ad personalization is enabled, and most Google activity controls retain data indefinitely unless you change them.
The default experience varies by device manufacturer. Samsung, Pixel, and other brands may add their own data collection on top of base Android. This guide covers settings available on stock Android 15 and Google’s built-in services.
A reasonable privacy baseline
These settings are found in the Settings app and in your Google Account settings on the device.
App permissions
Settings → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Permission manager → Review all categories
Android 15 groups permissions by type (Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, etc.). Review each category and revoke access for apps that do not need it. Pay particular attention to Location, Camera, and Microphone.
Per-app location access → Set to "Allow only while using the app" instead of "Allow all the time" where practical
Most apps work correctly without continuous location access. Apps that need background location (such as navigation or fitness trackers) will prompt you separately for "Allow all the time" access.
Settings → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Camera access / Microphone access → On (leave enabled, but review per-app access)
These global toggles let you quickly disable all camera or microphone access. Leaving them on but reviewing individual app permissions is more practical for daily use.
Location
Settings → Location → Location services → Google Location Accuracy → Off
When enabled, your device sends Wi-Fi, cell tower, and sensor data to Google to improve location accuracy. Turning it off means the device relies on GPS only, which is slightly slower but does not send network data to Google.
Settings → Location → Location services → Google Location History → Off
This controls Google's Timeline feature, which records everywhere you go. Turning it off stops new location data from being added to your Timeline. Existing data can be deleted separately in your Google Account.
Ads and personalization
Settings → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Ads → Delete advertising ID
Android 15 lets you delete your device's advertising ID entirely. Once deleted, apps that request it receive a zeroed-out identifier. This is more effective than simply resetting the ID.
Google Account → Data & privacy → Ad personalization → Off
Stops Google from using your activity to build an ad profile. You will still see ads across Google services, but they will not be based on your browsing, search, or app activity.
Google activity controls
Google Account → Data & privacy → Web & App Activity → Off or On with auto-delete set to 3 months
This is Google's broadest data collection toggle. It covers searches, Maps activity, and interactions with Google services. Turning it off reduces personalization. Setting auto-delete to 3 months is a middle ground.
Google Account → Data & privacy → YouTube History → On with auto-delete set to 3 months
YouTube recommendations depend heavily on watch history. Keeping it on with a short retention period is a practical balance between usefulness and privacy.
Diagnostics and usage data
Settings → Security & Privacy → More security & privacy → Usage & diagnostics → Off
Stops your device from sending crash reports, performance data, and usage statistics to Google. This data helps Google improve Android, but it includes information about how you use your device.
Private Space
Settings → Security & Privacy → Private Space → Set up
Private Space is new in Android 15. It creates an isolated area on your device where you can install apps separately, behind an additional lock. Apps in Private Space have their own data, accounts, and permissions. This is useful for sensitive apps like banking or health, especially on shared or work devices. Private Space can use a different Google Account from your main profile.
Google Play privacy
Google Play → Profile → Settings → General → Account and device preferences → Device-level personalization in apps → Off
Prevents Google Play from sharing device-level signals with apps for ad personalization.
Trade-offs
- Turning off Google Location Accuracy means location fixes rely on GPS alone, which is slower to acquire and less accurate indoors. Navigation apps may take longer to find your position.
- Deleting your advertising ID means you will still see ads, but they will be less relevant. Some free apps rely on personalized ads for revenue.
- Disabling Web & App Activity makes Google Search and Assistant less personalized. Search results will be more generic.
- Turning off Usage & diagnostics means Google receives less data to identify and fix bugs affecting your device and Android version.
- Setting up Private Space requires a few minutes of initial configuration and adds a step to access apps stored there.
- Turning off Google Location History removes the Timeline feature in Google Maps, which some people use as a travel log.
Who should not change these settings
- If you rely on Google Assistant for personalized recommendations and routines, keeping Web & App Activity on (with auto-delete) provides a better experience.
- If you use Google Maps Timeline as a travel diary, turning off Location History removes that functionality.
- If you depend on fast indoor location accuracy for navigation or ride-sharing apps, keeping Google Location Accuracy on is practical.
- If you prefer relevant ads over generic ones, keeping ad personalization on and your advertising ID active is a valid choice.
- If you want to help Google improve Android and identify bugs on your device model, leaving Usage & diagnostics on is reasonable.