Google’s $135 million Android settlement: eligibility, payouts, and key dates

Google’s $135 million Android settlement: what to know now

Google’s $135 million class-action settlement over alleged Android “passive” data transfers has cleared a major hurdle, with a federal judge granting preliminary approval on March 5, 2026. The deal would compensate U.S. Android users whose phones allegedly sent data to Google over cellular networks without consent, and it would require clearer disclosures and new setup-time consent prompts. Final approval is scheduled for June 23, 2026, in San Jose. (courthousenews.com )

What the case alleges

Plaintiffs said Android devices routinely transmitted information to Google—even when idle, screens locked, apps closed, or location sharing off—consuming user-paid cellular data to support Google product development and advertising. Google denies wrongdoing, but agreed to settle rather than go to trial. The nationwide federal case (Taylor v. Google LLC) was filed in 2020. (storage.courtlistener.com )

Who qualifies

The certified settlement class covers “all natural persons in the United States, who have used mobile devices running the Android operating system to access the internet through cellular data networks” at any time from November 12, 2017 until the date of the final approval order—except Californians covered by a separate state case. Court filings note the class encompasses more than 100 million Americans who used Android smartphones with cellular plans during the class period. (courthousenews.com )

How much money and how payments will work

• Fund size: $135 million, non-reversionary (unused funds won’t return to Google). Plaintiffs’ lawyers may seek up to $39.8 million (29.5%) in fees, subject to court approval.
• Individual payments: pro‑rata shares of the net fund; payments are capped at $100 per person.
• No claim form: Class members won’t file traditional claims. Instead, they can pick a payment method (Zelle, PayPal/Venmo, ACH, or Virtual Mastercard). If no method is selected, the administrator will attempt automatic digital payments using information provided by Google. (investing.com )

The settlement website is live for payment-method selection; notices include a personalized Notice ID and Confirmation Code. If you take no action, the administrator will still try to pay you—but choosing a payment method reduces the risk of a missed payout. (cbsnews.com )

Key dates (all Pacific Time)

• Deadline to object or opt out: May 29, 2026.
• Motion for final approval due: June 12, 2026.
• Final approval hearing: June 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi in San Jose. (courthousenews.com )

Payments will only be issued if the court grants final approval and after any appeals are resolved. (courthousenews.com )

Why California is different

California residents are excluded from the federal class because a separate case in Santa Clara County—Csupo v. Google LLC—already tried similar claims on behalf of California Android users. A jury returned a $314.6 million verdict for the class on July 1, 2025; judgment followed on July 23, 2025. That case is proceeding on its own track. (angeion-public.s3.amazonaws.com )

What Google must change if the deal is approved

In addition to the cash fund, Google would:

• Add setup-time disclosures and obtain express consent before engaging in the challenged data transfers.
• Provide clearer toggles to stop certain transfers.
• Update Google Play terms to better explain background transfers. (investing.com )

The legal theory—and why this matters

The suit advanced a “conversion” theory—that users’ paid cellular data is property and that Google wrongfully interfered with it. An earlier dismissal was reversed on appeal, with the Ninth Circuit allowing the conversion claim to proceed—a key turn that helped bring the parties to settlement talks. (news.bloomberglaw.com )

How this fits into Google’s broader legal landscape

The Android data case arrives amid a string of large Google matters, including a $700 million multistate Play Store settlement and ongoing privacy and antitrust litigation. Together, they illustrate growing scrutiny of how dominant platforms monetize user data and structure mobile ecosystems. (apnews.com )

What Android users should do now

• Watch for a notice email or postcard about “Taylor v. Google LLC.” If you receive a Notice ID and Confirmation Code, you can select a preferred payment method on the settlement site.
• If you plan to object or opt out, calendar the May 29, 2026 deadline.
• If you do nothing, you will remain in the class and the administrator will still attempt payment after final approval.

Bottom line: the deal is not final yet, but with preliminary approval in place and a hearing set for June 23, 2026, the $135 million settlement is on a clear timeline. Expect small, uniform digital payouts—up to $100 per person—if the court signs off and no appeals delay distribution. (courthousenews.com )