Enterprise & Industry

Android Gboard tracks your typing – switch to FUTO Keyboard to stop it

Google's Gboard sends usage stats and audio to servers – reclaim your privacy now.

Deep Dive

Google's Gboard, the default keyboard on most Android phones, secretly tracks user inputs by sending usage statistics, personalization data, and even audio donations to Google servers. This tracking is enabled by default, leveraging an internet connection for autocorrect, suggestions, and AI features. To stop it, users can navigate to Settings > Languages > Gboard > Privacy and toggle off four options: "Share usage statistics," "Personalize for you," "Improve for everyone," and "Audio donations." However, even after disabling these, doubts remain about whether data collection is fully halted.

The most reliable solution is to replace Gboard entirely with FUTO Keyboard. FUTO is an open-source keyboard available on the Google Play Store that mirrors Gboard's design and functionality but processes all typing locally on the device. This means no data is sent to any external server, ensuring complete privacy. It supports swipe typing, text prediction, voice input, themes, and a customizable Actions key for emojis, clipboard, and more. Users can install it, run the onboarding wizard, and immediately benefit from a tracking-free typing experience without sacrificing features.

Key Points
  • Gboard sends usage stats, typing patterns, and audio snippets to Google by default
  • You can disable four privacy settings in Settings > Languages > Gboard > Privacy, but full privacy isn't guaranteed
  • Switch to free, open-source FUTO Keyboard for on-device processing and zero data sent to third parties

Why It Matters

Your keyboard shouldn't spy on you – switch to open-source FUTO for true, verifiable privacy.

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