Google to pay $135 million in Android legal settlement

Hey, Android users, cash waiting?

Ever feel like your phone uses up data for no reason? A major lawsuit alleges Google did exactly that without permission.

The case is called Taylor v Google LLC, and Google agreed to pay $135 million to settle it. No, they’re not admitting fault, but you could still get a piece of the pie.

What did Google do wrong?

The lawsuit claims Google secretly collected info from Android phones using your cellular data. This happened even when apps were closed, and your screen was locked.

Taylor v Google LLC says Google could have waited for Wi-Fi, but chose not to. That burned through the data you paid for without a heads-up.

Do you qualify? Check this list

To be part of Taylor v Google LLC, you must be a real person living in the US. You also need to have used an Android phone with a cellular data plan.

The time period runs from November 12, 2017, through the settlement’s final court approval. One more thing, you can’t already be in a similar California-only case called Csupo v Google.

How much money could you get?

The absolute most you can receive is $100 per person. But don’t count on getting the full amount just yet.

After lawyers, taxes, and admin costs are paid, whatever’s left gets split evenly among everyone who qualifies. With up to 100 million people eligible, the final check might be smaller.

Fun fact: Even if you do nothing at all, you’re still automatically included in the settlement. The system will try to send you money, but you’ll have a much better shot if you actually pick a payment method.

You need a special code to claim

Google or the settlement folks should have mailed or emailed you a letter. That letter contains your personal Notice ID and Confirmation Code.

You’ll need both numbers to pick how you want to be paid. Head to www.federalcellularclassaction.com and enter those codes to get started.

Fun fact: The settlement is non-reversionary, meaning any money not claimed by users cannot go back to Google. Every unclaimed dollar must be redistributed to people who successfully got paid.

No letter? Don’t give up yet

Didn’t get a notice, but think you qualify? You can still check if you’re part of the deal. Call 1-844-655-4255 or email [email protected].

You can also mail a letter to: Federal Cellular Class Action, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103. They’ll help you figure out your next step.

Doing nothing could cost you

If you do absolutely nothing, you’re still part of the settlement. The system will try to send you money automatically.

But here’s the catch: if they don’t have your correct payment info, you might never see a dime. Taking two minutes to pick a payment method is your safest bet.

Mark your calendar, May 29

May 29, 2026, is a big deadline. That’s your last chance to object to the settlement or ask to be excluded.

If you exclude yourself, you won’t get paid, but you keep the right to sue Google on your own later. The final court hearing happens on June 23.

Fun fact: The plaintiffs’ lawyers plan to ask for up to $39.8 million in legal fees, which works out to about 29.5% of the total settlement fund.

Google promises to change things

As part of the settlement, Google agreed to update the Google Play Terms of Service, a Google Help Center page, and Android setup screens. Those updates would disclose the disputed Android data transfers and ask users to consent.

The settlement also requires Google to disable a related Android setting tied to the disputed transfers. Google denied wrongdoing, and the court still must decide whether to give the settlement final approval.

Who gets left out? California folks

If you live in California and are already part of the Csupo v Google LLC lawsuit, you can’t join this one. That separate case handles similar complaints just for Golden State residents.

Everyone else in the US with an Android phone on a data plan since November 2017 is likely included. So most of the country is covered.

Pick your payment method online

When you enter your Notice ID and code, you’ll be asked how you want to get paid. Options may include direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, or even a prepaid card.

If you don’t choose, they’ll try Zelle or other services using info they have on file. But why leave it to chance? Pick your favorite method now.

When will the money arrive?

Don’t expect a check tomorrow. The final approval hearing is on June 23, 2026. After that, there could be appeals, which take more time.

Payments go out only after the court gives the final green light, and all appeals are done. It might take months, so be patient and keep an eye on the settlement website.

While you wait on one payout, the tech world is making much bigger money moves. Check out the $32B deal finalized as Google acquires Wiz.

One last look, are you in?

Take 30 seconds to think back. If you used an Android phone with a cellular data plan anytime since November 12, 2017, and you are not part of the Csupo case, you may be eligible for a payment.

Visit the official settlement site and enter your codes if you have them, or contact the settlement administrator if you do not.

One Google story could put money in your pocket, while another is reshaping tech. Take a look at how Google lands a $200 billion cloud deal with Anthropic.

If this slideshow helped you understand the Google settlement, give it a thumbs up and share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to hit that like button.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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