Millions of individuals who have used Android devices on cellular networks since November 12, 2017, may be eligible for compensation as part of a $135 million class-action settlement involving Google. The lawsuit alleged that Android devices transmitted data to Google without user consent, even when phones were idle or applications were closed, potentially consuming users' mobile data in the background.
Background of the Lawsuit
The case, initially filed in 2020, accused Google of collecting information through Android software in a manner that forced users to unknowingly utilize their paid cellular data for Google's benefit. Google has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the matter.
In a related development in 2025, a U.S. federal jury ordered Google to pay approximately $425 million for gathering information from smartphone app usage even when users had opted for privacy settings, the company confirmed.
How to Check Eligibility and Claim Payment
Eligible users are expected to receive a notice by mail or email containing a Notice ID and Confirmation Code. These details can be used on the official settlement website to select a preferred payment method and submit a claim.
The exact amount each person could receive has not yet been determined. Final payouts will depend on the number of qualified claimants, as well as deductions for legal fees, taxes, and administrative costs. With an estimated 100 million users potentially eligible, individual payments may be modest.
Important Dates and Steps
A final court hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Eligible Android users will receive a Notice ID and Confirmation Code, which they can use on the settlement website to choose how they wish to receive their payment through the 'Payment Election' option.
Those who do not select a payment method may still receive compensation, but there is a higher risk that the payment may not be delivered successfully. While the settlement fund is $135 million, deductions for taxes, legal fees, and administrative expenses will be made before the remaining funds are distributed among potentially 100 million Android users.
Additional Updates from Google
Meanwhile, Google has announced a wave of upcoming Android features, including advanced AI upgrades, distraction-reducing tools, and a new category of laptops called 'Googlebooks.' The company revealed these free updates during its 'Android Show' livestream on May 12. According to Google, the new features will roll out gradually over the next year to supported Android devices from brands such as Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Honor, and Pixel.
A key highlight is 'Gemini Intelligence,' a unified AI system designed to handle everyday tasks more efficiently. The technology is expected to assist users with activities such as ordering meals, creating shopping lists, and generating quick summaries of emails automatically.
