DeGoogle your life and improve your privacy in 2025
As cybercrime becomes more prevalent, everyone is concerned about their online privacy. The internet can be a scary place, to say the least, and no matter how much we learn about all the phishing scams we might encounter, sometimes it’s just not enough to keep us safe. But what if we told you there’s one everyday tool that poses a serious risk to your data security
One thing you probably use every day! Any guesses?
If you guessed Google, then you are right! While Google offers a big selection of free services, there is a hidden price. Many people don’t realize that Google controls vast amounts of our personal and business data in exchange for using its services. That’s why a new movement has emerged: deGoogling! But what does it mean? And how can you deGoogle your life? Keep reading to learn all the answers to your undying questions!
By Manar SadkouDeGoogle for better data protection in 2025!
What does “deGoogle” mean?
Google is undeniably one of the biggest tech companies of the 21st century and it comes as no surprise that many of its products have garnered massive success. Google Search is, for example, the most popular search engine in the world, and Gmail registered more than 2.5 billion active users in 2024. Many Google products and services have become seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, but this widespread success has also led to growing concerns about the privacy implications of relying so heavily on Google’s ecosystem.
Today, a growing number of people are opting to deGoogle their lives. This means they try to minimize or eliminate the use of Google products and services. Instead, they find alternative platforms that provide similar functionality without sacrificing user privacy. For example, they might use Microsoft Bing instead of Google Search or Vimeo as an alternative to YouTube.
Why deGoogle your life?
Because the majority of the services and products Google offers are free, the company relies on targeted advertising to turn a profit. This type of online marketing refers to ads tailored to people based on their interests, online activity, or personal information, making them more relevant to the viewer.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that targeted advertising wouldn’t be possible without surveilling people and collecting their data. And that’s exactly what Google does. Anytime you use a Google service, Google collects and stores your data in exchange for keeping that service free. This data could include anything from your emails and search history to the route you take to work every day.
This surveillance scheme is nothing new. As a matter of fact, it has been the center of many courtroom disputes, most notably a 2020 US class action lawsuit where it was revealed that Google tracks its users even when they are using “incognito mode” (private mode). This dispute, like many others, ended with Google agreeing to a settlement.
For many people, the privacy and security risks posed by Google’s products and services are simply not worth it, which is why they opt for deGoogling their lives. And, after reading this, we bet you are also considering it! Wondering how? Keep reading to find out!
How to deGoogle your life
If Google’s products and services have become integral to your life, then deGoogling might seem like a complicated feat. But it’s actually easier than it sounds. Here are a few steps you can take to deGoogle your life today:
Leave Gmail behind: Opting for another mail service provider is one of the easiest, yet most impactful changes you can make to reduce Google’s presence in your life. There are a variety of providers on the market today that offer end-to-end encryption, making sure only you and your recipient can read your emails. Amongst your options is yours truly, mail.com. mail.com protects users’ data with automatic SSL/TLS encryption, securing emails and credentials during transfer. So, let Gmail be a thing of the past, and sign up for a free mail.com account today! (For more information on SSL and TLS encryption, read our explainer: What is an SSL certificate?)
Break free from Google Search: The Google search engine is the go-to for many, so we understand if this might seem like a difficult step to implement. But, trust us, the alternatives are just as useful and, most importantly, more mindful of your privacy! There is a sea of privacy-focused search engines to choose from that don’t save your data or track your every move as Google Search does. If you are looking to make the move, consider a few popular options like DuckDuckGo and Qwant or even an eco-friendly option like Ecosia.
Drive away from Google: Google Drive does keep your data secure, but does it keep your data private? The answer is no! So, while someone else may not be able to access your data, Google itself can still read anything you store in your Google Drive. So, if you care about your online privacy, we recommend you don’t skip this step! Thankfully, switching to a more private cloud storage service is relatively easy. For example, Mega is a privacy-focused Google Drive alternative that offers 20 GB of free storage. That is 5 GB more than Google’s free plan. Does that not sound like a better deal? You can also take advantage of the 2 GB of secure cloud storage that come free with your mail.com account.
Browse beyond Chrome: While Google Chrome might be the world’s leading internet browser, it trails behind when it comes to your privacy. Google’s browser, just like any other Google product or service, tracks your activity and collects your information. Although the tech giant has come under fire many times for its browser’s security and privacy issues, it never fails to find new ways to collect more user information. Google then sells your data, including your browsing history and location, to third-party advertisers. That’s why Google Chrome is a no-go if you value your online privacy. For a more reliable, yet privacy-focused browser, consider Brave, Firefox, or Chrome’s more secure, unGoogled replica Chromium.
unGoogle vs deGoogle
To "unGoogle" and to "deGoogle" might sound like the same thing, but they’re actually a bit different. When you “unGoogle” something, it means completely cutting out Google’s influence. Think of it as going all the way --removing every trace of Google’s services, tracking, or code from your tools. For example, projects like Ungoogled-Chromium rebuild Google’s browser from the ground up without any ties to the company.
On the other hand, to “deGoogle” is more about practical steps to reduce your dependence on Google. It’s about switching to privacy-friendly alternatives like using DuckDuckGo instead of Google Search or a secure email service instead of Gmail. In short, unGoogling is like wiping the slate clean, while deGoogling is about taking manageable steps to move away from Google’s grip.
How to deGoogle your phone
DeGoogling your life means deGoogling all your devices, especially your phone. If you are wondering what is a deGoogled phone, it’s a smartphone that doesn’t rely on Google’s apps, services, or tracking systems. It’s designed to prioritize your privacy, keeping your data out of Google’s hands. Degoogling might be a bit more challenging if you own an Android phone because Google services are deeply integrated into the Android operating system. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a few steps you could follow to deGoogle both Android and iOS devices.
How to deGoogle Android
Google owns Android which makes it tough to use Android phones without signing into Google. Even if you delete all Google apps from an Android phone, the Android operating system still shares your data with Google. That’s why, the only way to deGoogle an Android phone is to get rid of the operating system altogether. If you have a few bucks to spare, you can buy a professionally deGoogled device. French startup iodé, for example, offers a wide range of refurbished phones running iodéOS—an Android-based Operating system freed from Google trackers. If you would rather go the DIY route, it’s a bit risky: you need to install a privacy-focused custom OS like GrapheneOS, LineageOS, or CalyxOS. Here’s how:
Unlock your phone’s bootloader (check your device’s instructions).
Download the custom ROM (GrapheneOS, LineageOS, or other) onto your computer.
Use a tool like Fastboot to flash the new OS onto your phone. This will wipe your device so make sure to back up your data before starting.
Once installed, follow the setup instructions for your new OS, which will not include Google services by default, ensuring a more private and secure experience.
Since doing this yourself requires a bit of technical know-how and can wipe your device, we generally don’t recommend it unless you’re comfortable with advanced steps and understand the risks involved.
How to deGoogle your iPhone
Luckily, deGoogling your iPhone isn’t as complicated because Apple has its own version of major apps, and Google services aren’t as deeply integrated into iOS by default. Here’s what you need to do to deGoogle your iphone:
Remove all Google apps like Gmail and Google Maps and replace them with privacy-friendly alternatives like the mail.com app and Apple Maps. (For more on the mail.com app, read our explainer on the 5 advantages of the mail.com Mail app for iPhone & Android.)
Change your default search engine to DuckDuckGo or Startpage in the settings.
Avoid signing into any Google accounts and use apps from the App Store that respect your privacy.
Switch to iCloud for storage instead of Google Drive to keep your data more secure.
DeGoogling your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking small steps like switching to privacy-friendly alternatives and reducing your reliance on Google services, you can significantly improve your online privacy and security.
Whether you start with changing your email provider or opting for a more secure browser, each move brings you closer to a safer, more private digital life. So why not start today? The first step is always the hardest, but it’s totally worth it!
And if you are still looking for an alternative to Gmail, why not sign up for a free mail.com account today?
