Smart Home & AI
Google Home and Nest Privacy
Google Home and Nest tie into your Google account, so the privacy controls live in two places: the account and the Home app. Here is what to change.
Stop Saving Voice and Audio
Account
Turn off audio loggingGoogle Account → Data & privacy → Web & App Activity → turn off Include voice and audio activity.
Say it
Delete by voice"Hey Google, delete what I just said" and "...delete what I said this week" work on the spot.
Account
Auto-deleteSet Web & App Activity to auto-delete every 3 months. See our Google tracking guide.
Lock Down Nest Cameras
- Review who has access to the home in the Google Home app, and remove old members.
- Use Home/Away routines so cameras are not recording you inside your own house.
- Turn off Familiar Faces if you do not want facial recognition, and shorten event video history.
Turn Off Personalization on Shared Speakers
- On shared devices, limit Personal results so your calendar, messages, and reminders are not read aloud to everyone.
- Review Voice Match so the speaker only responds with personal info to the right people.
Guests and Shared Devices
Use Guest mode for visitors, and remember that anyone who can talk to the speaker can use whatever it is linked to. Keep purchasing and personal results tight on shared units.
Common Questions
Does Google keep my voice recordings?
Only if Include voice and audio activity is on. Turn it off and new recordings are not saved to your account.
Are Nest cameras encrypted?
Video is encrypted in transit and at rest, but access depends on your account security, so use a strong password and 2FA.
Can I use Google Home without a Google account?
Not really; it is built around your account. That makes the account privacy settings the most important part.
WANT THIS DONE FOR YOU?
Harbor Privacy blocks tracking and ad domains at the DNS level for every device on your home network, automatically. Get started here.