Your Android Keyboard May Be Tracking What You Type: How to Stop It

The keyboard app on your Android phone may be collecting more information than you realize. Many popular keyboard apps track what you type, when you type, and how you use your phone. This information is often used for improving predictions and targeted advertising. The article from ZDNet explains that you have two main options to protect your privacy: adjust the settings on your current keyboard or switch to a different keyboard app altogether. This affects anyone with an Android phone or tablet.

If you use the default keyboard that came with your phone, or if you downloaded a popular keyboard app like Gboard or SwiftKey, your typing data may be collected. This includes messages, emails, passwords, search terms, and anything else you type on your device.

Even though most companies say they protect this data, it is still being collected and stored.

Here is what you should do right now:

1. Open your phone's Settings app and go to System, then Language and Input, then On Screen Keyboard.
2. Tap on your current keyboard and look for privacy settings. Turn off any options related to personalization, learning from your typing, or sending usage data.
3. For better privacy, consider switching to a privacy focused keyboard like OpenBoard, which does not collect your typing data at all. You can download it from the Google Play Store for free.
4. After installing a new keyboard, go back to Settings and set it as your default keyboard. For long term privacy protection, make it a habit to review app permissions on your phone every few months. Many apps request access to information they do not really need. Your keyboard should not need access to your location, contacts, or camera. Be especially careful with apps that have access to everything you type, since this includes passwords and private messages. When choosing any app, look for options that prioritize privacy and give you control over your data.