Learn how to delete Google Voice Search history

Okay, Google: delete Google voice search history. Instead of typing search queries, you might simply give Google a verbal command. However, together with random questions, Google obtains a large chunk of private conversations.

Google began its collector’s career in 2015, after launching a page that neatly organizes account data. This assortment contains each voice command given to Google, but users can enable speech recording unintentionally.

Luckily, you can delete Google voice search history and prevent Google from listening to your surroundings.

What information can Google collect?

People expect Google voice search to record their speech only when they give clear-cut voice commands. Rumors around the web suggest that instead, Google is on a constant-listen mode.

One infamous incident revealed Google to add human intelligence to the analysis of stored audio records. The company admitted to having employed contractors for reviewing anonymous user data.

Human audio revising led to another privacy violation: collected audio snippets leaked to unknown parties. So, there are many reasons for having trust issues and choosing to delete Google voice search history.

Technically, Google voice search activates as soon as you say the predetermined phrase (okay, Google; hey, Google). Once the recording begins, AI interprets your speech, runs a search query, and delivers results.

However, voice recognition might recognize random utterances as the magic phrase to turn on the voice search. Then, Google will record your voice for 10 seconds. At the moment of “false acceptance,” users might discuss highly confidential affairs.

Once Google records a snippet, it travels straight to the cloud. Apparently, over 10% of stored records are accidental. More reason for you to delete Google voice search records.

Google has built a massive kingdom around its countless services. Its voice search is only a small component, but it deserves some air time.

The original purpose of the voice search is to allow people to submit search queries via speech. According to statistics, search engines receive over a billion voice-enabled searches monthly.

Furthermore, voice commands make 20% of all queries implemented through mobile devices. It is safe to predict that these numbers will only increase over time.

Managing your voice activity and records

It is understandable if you do not want Google to log your every voice search. On the other hand, you might not even use the speech recognition technology to speed your searching.

Luckily, there are routes you can take to stop Google from implementing both of these practices. Look at the instructions below to find the one suitable for you.

How to delete Google voice search history

Follow these simple instructions to delete Google voice search records. The same actions apply to desktop and mobile devices.

1. If you want to delete Google voice search history, click here.
2. Once the website loads, you can click on the three vertical dots next to the search bar. You can pick “Delete Results” to get rid of all records.

3. You can also delete each entry separately by clicking on the three dots next to each of them.

4. Before deleting them, you can listen to the recordings (unless Google rendered them indecipherable). Click “Details.”

If you want to continue using the voice commands, you can delete Google voice search logs regularly. However, if having to delete Google voice search history manually seems like a hassle, you can prevent Google from keeping records at all.

How to turn off Google Voice history

Prevent Google from keeping records of your voice commands by following these steps:

1. Visit this link.
2. Click on “Activity Controls” on the left side menu.

3. You will see several activity settings. Click on “Web & App Activity.”

4. Unmark the checkbox next to “Include voice and audio recordings.”

How to deactivate “Okay, Google” command

1. Open “Settings” on your smartphone and search for “Voice.”
2. Pick the “Voice Match” section under “HEY GOOGLE.”

3. Turn off the “Hey Google” by clicking on the slider.

These instructions do not prevent “Okay, Google” from working when you browse an unlocked phone. Only when you lock the smartphone, Google’s command won’t trigger recording.

How to disable Google’s access to the microphone

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Find the “Apps” section and locate “Manage apps” under it.

3. Click on “Permissions” and the same on the next menu that pops up.
4. Select “Microphone.” Now, you can see which apps have access to the microphone. Find “Google” and deny that permission.

5. This change will prevent Google’s services from accessing your microphone. Note that it will disrupt some of Google’s features. However, it won’t affect other apps and services.

We encourage you to review permissions for the other apps after restricting or deleting Google voice search features.

If you find that random applications use the camera, microphone, gallery, or contact list, revoke their permissions. Many programs tend to abuse given feature access.

So, always be cautious when an app requires permissions to information that is not necessary for its functionality. Another critical subject is your location that apps can monitor in the background. But you can stop them by preventing it.