If you’ve ever seen an ad and asked “Why am I seeing this?” If you thought. You’re not alone. Google personalizes the ads you see based on the activity of your Google account, and this can sometimes lead to strange results.
Fortunately, if you want to see ads that are more relevant to you, you can change what Google thinks it knows about you. On the other hand, if you prefer that Google not use your browsing data to target ads, you can do so easily.
Note: If you’re signed in to more than one Google account on your device, personalized ads are usually based on your “default account” that you signed in for the first time. So before you start make sure you are using your primary profile.
Edit your information or interests
If you’d like to see personalized ads but are not satisfied with the ads you’re currently seeing, you can change the attributes and interests of your Google account.
- go google account > “Data and personalization.” Find and click “Go to ads settings” (it’s in the “Ads personalization” section).
- Turn on “Ad personalization” (if turned off)
- Below the toggle, you will see a list of items. This will include characteristics you gave Google when you created your account (such as your age), advertisers whose websites or apps you visited, and interests Google has determined based on your account activity. To update a feature, click on it and press “Update”. To remove one of the interests or advertisers, click on the item and press “Close”. (Note: If you previously turned off ad personalization and now turn it on, you may not see much in the interests until Google has some time to witness your activity.)
If you want to restore something you’ve removed, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Things you’ve turned off.” You’ll see a list of everything you’ve turned off or removed.
- Click an item
- Select “Reopen”
Turn off personalized ads
If you don’t want to see ads that are personalized to you at all, you can choose not to see them altogether.
- As before, go google account > “Data and personalization” > “Go to ads settings”
- Turn off the switch next to “Ad Personalization”
Google can still personalize your ads based on your location or the website you are currently visiting, but you will no longer see ads based on your browsing activity.
