Lifestyle

If You’ve Had an Android Phone Since 2017, Google May Owe You Money

By Mike Harper · May 6, 2026

Google agreed to pay $135 million to settle a class action lawsuit — and if you’ve used an Android phone on a cellular data plan at any point since November 2017, you may be owed a share of it. No claim form required. Payments are automatic.

A federal judge granted preliminary approval to the settlement in March 2026, clearing the path for distribution to more than 100 million eligible Android users across the United States. The lawsuit alleged that Google used Android devices to transfer data to its own servers without user permission — consuming cellular data that customers had already paid for, often while their phone screens were off and all apps were closed.

Google has not admitted wrongdoing. But it agreed to pay $135 million to resolve the allegations, update its Google Play Terms of Service to disclose the conduct at issue, and obtain user consent going forward.

Who qualifies:

Any U.S. resident who used a mobile device running Android with a cellular data plan to access the internet at any point between November 12, 2017 and the date of final court approval is automatically included in the settlement class — unless they choose to opt out. This covers Android phones and Android tablets used on any major carrier. You do not need to have purchased the device from Google directly. You do not need to have been a Google account holder. If you had an Android device on a cellular plan during that period, you are likely included.

How much will you get:

Individual payments are estimated at approximately $1.01 to $1.48 per eligible class member, based on the net settlement fund of roughly $85 million after attorneys’ fees and administrative costs. The final amount per person depends on how many class members ultimately participate. Payments will be distributed via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, ACH direct deposit, virtual Mastercard, or paper check — whichever method you select.

What you need to do right now:

The payment is automatic — but you should select your preferred payment method to ensure the money reaches you. Visit the official settlement website and complete the Payment Election Form using the notice ID and confirmation code from your settlement notice. If you haven’t received a notice, you can still select your payment method on the settlement website before the deadline.

The critical date is May 29, 2026 — the opt-out deadline. If you want to exclude yourself from the settlement and preserve your right to sue Google separately, you must submit a written request before that date. If you do nothing, you remain in the class and receive your automatic payment.

The final approval hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia DeMarchi in San Jose, California. Payments will be distributed after that hearing concludes and any appeals are resolved.

One important warning:

This settlement has already attracted scammers. The FTC will never contact you by phone or email asking for your bank account number, Social Security number, or any fee to receive your payment. All legitimate communications about this settlement will direct you to the official settlement website or the settlement administrator, Angeion Group. If you receive a call or email asking for money or personal financial information related to this settlement, it is fraud.