Google has agreed to pay $135 million to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit- Joseph Taylor et al. v. Google LLC. The case alleged that Google’s Android operating system transmitted information to its servers using customers’ cellular data without explicit permission, even when the phones were not actively in use.
If you’ve used an Android smartphone in recent years, you could be among the 100 million users eligible for compensation. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how the settlement works, and how to claim your payment.
What is the Google Android $135 million settlement?
In the lawsuit Taylor et al. v. Google LLC, it was alleged that Android phones transmitted data to Google using users’ cellular data, and did so without explicit consent- even when many devices appeared to be in an idle state. Google agreed to pay $135 million to settle these claims, with the settlement fund subsequently being distributed among eligible class members.
The settlement covers Android users in the United States who used smartphones with cellular data plans between November 12, 2017, and the date of final court approval (which is still pending as of April 2026).
Who is eligible for the Android settlement?
To be eligible for payment, you generally must meet these four main criteria:
- You must be a living individual residing in the United States (including its territories).
- Have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan (not Wi‑Fi only).
- Have accessed the internet using that device at any time between November 12, 2017, and the date of final approval of the Settlement.
- In the related case Csupo / Co v. Google LLC, not be a member of the separate class established exclusively for California (those falling within the scope of that California settlement are excluded from this one).
Millions of Americans may qualify, since the proposed class includes over 100 million U.S. Android phone users who paid for cellular data.
Documents Required
For the vast majority of class members:
- No Proof of Purchase: You do not need to provide receipts or phone bills to qualify.
- Account Verification: You only need the Notice ID sent to your registered Google email or the ability to verify your identity through the portal.
Google Android Settlement Claim Form
One of the most important things to understand about this settlement is that most people do not need to fill out a claim form.
Automatic Payments
Eligible users will be identified using Google’s internal records. This means payments will be processed automatically for most people without any action required.
Payment Notifications
If you qualify, you will likely receive a notification via email or text message. Payments may be sent through popular platforms such as:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Zelle
These notifications will be sent to the contact details linked to your Google account.
Supplemental Claims Option
If you believe you are eligible but do not receive any payment notification, don’t worry. A supplemental claims process will open after the final court hearing. You can visit the official settlement website to register for updates.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official settlement website www.FederalCellularClassAction.com.
- Enter your Notice ID (if available).
- Confirm your eligibility.
- Select your preferred payment method.
- Submit the form.
Note: Some users may be automatically included without applying.
Google Android Settlement Payment: How much will each person get?
The total fund is $135 million, but the exact individual payout has not been fixed yet and depends on:
- The final number of valid claims submitted.
- The court‑approved deductions for attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and taxes.
Primary reports suggest that every eligible individual could receive a payment of approximately $100, assuming that the estimated number of claimants falls at the upper end of the range (exceeding approximately 100 million users). In reality, the final amount could be lower if more people file claims, or slightly higher if fewer people are found to be eligible.
Payments are expected to be issued once the court grants final approval; a hearing for this purpose is scheduled for June 2026 (the exact date may vary by district).
Estimated Payment: Currently, individual payments are estimated to be modest- likely between approximately $1.00 and $5.00.
Deadline
Legally, the primary deadline is May 29, 2026 (for objections/exclusions), and payments will be made once the Court grants final approval, approximately June 23, 2026, and the settlement site opens the payment selection window.
| Item | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Objection/exclusion deadline | To be announced on the settlement site |
| From Nov 12, 2017, to the final approval date | May 29, 2026 |
| Final approval court hearing | June 23, 2026 |
| Claim form (if required later) | To be announced on settlement site |
| Payment window (estimated) | After June 23, 2026 (exact payout dates set by administrator) |
FAQs
No, you do not need to prove the exact amount of data transferred. This claim is based on your normal usage of an Android phone with cellular data during the covered period.
www.FederalCellularClassAction.com. Use this site to check your status or choose your preferred payment method.
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