Did your Android phone secretly use your cellular data? Google just agreed to a $135 million settlement. If you have used an Android in the U.S. since 2017, you might be owed some cash.
If you have used an Android phone in the U.S. over the last few years, you might have some extra pocket change coming your way. Google recently reached a $135 million agreement to settle a class-action lawsuit, Taylor v. Google LLC, which claimed the company used people’s cellular data without their permission.
What was the Lawsuit about?
The core of the legal battle involved how Android handles data in the background. The plaintiffs argued that even when users weren't actively using their phones—or had specifically turned off certain tracking features—Android devices were still sending bits of data back to Google.
Because this happened over cellular networks rather than just Wi-Fi, it meant users were essentially paying for data that Google was using for its own purposes. Google hasn’t admitted to doing anything wrong, but they decided to pay the $135 million to move past the litigation.
Who can Claim a Piece of the Settlement?
To be eligible for a payout, you need to be a U.S. resident who used an Android device with a cellular data plan at any time between November 12, 2017, and today.
Also Read: Google Class Action Lawsuit 2026: What Android & Smart Home Users Need to Know?
There is one catch: if you live in California, you are likely part of a different, larger $350 million settlement (Csupo v. Google). This $135 million deal is specifically for those in the other 49 states. While the technical limit per person is $100, the reality is that so many millions of people are eligible that most estimates suggest individual payments will only be around $1.00 to $5.00.
How to Get Paid and What Changes?
Most eligible users should receive an email or a postcard with a "Notice ID" and a "Confirmation Code." You’ll need these to log into the official settlement website and pick how you want to be paid—usually through Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
Beyond the money, Google has to be more transparent. They are required to update their Terms of Service to better explain how background data works and fix certain settings that were previously confusing for users. The final court hearing to officially wrap this up is scheduled for June 2026, so don't expect the funds to hit your account immediately.
Also Read: Google Pixel April 2026 Update: Fixes for Pixel 10 and 9 Series