Solomon
Typing on your phone feels personal.
But with apps like Google Keyboard (Gboard) doing more than just spelling correction, many are asking: is your privacy really safe?
What Is Gboard and How Does It Work?
Gboard is Google’s official keyboard app.
It’s packed with features like predictive text, voice input, GIFs, and even Google Search.
To power these tools, Gboard needs access to some of your data — but how much does it actually collect?
Does Gboard Track What You Type?
Google says Gboard does not send your keystrokes back to its servers.
This means the actual text you type (like passwords or personal messages) is not shared with Google.
However, there are exceptions.
When Does Gboard Send Data to Google?
Certain features like voice typing, search, and emoji/GIF suggestions may send data to Google.
For example, when you use voice typing, your voice is processed by Google’s servers.
Or when you search directly from the keyboard, that search query is logged.
What About Personalized Suggestions?
To improve predictions, Gboard uses machine learning on your device.
This is called on-device learning.
But Gboard can sync some learned data across devices if you allow it.
This might include the words and phrases you use frequently.
Can Google Access Sensitive Information Through Gboard?
Technically, Google could access information like what you search, voice commands, and the apps you use while typing.
However, text input from secure fields like passwords and credit card forms is not collected.
Gboard is also designed to avoid logging data from sensitive apps like banking or private chats.
What Does Google Say About Gboard Privacy?
According to Google’s own privacy policy, Gboard does not send everything you type.
Only data related to specific features (like voice or search) may be shared.
Users can manage or disable data sharing in their keyboard settings.
How to Protect Your Privacy on Gboard
You can take several steps to limit what Gboard collects:
- Turn off personalised suggestions.
- Disable usage statistics sharing.
- Revoke voice typing access.
- Avoid using Gboard for searches.
You can find these settings under Gboard > Privacy.
Alternatives to Gboard for Privacy-Focused Users
If you’re still concerned, privacy-first keyboards like AnySoftKeyboard,
OpenBoard, or Simple Keyboard may be worth exploring.
These options don’t collect any user data and operate entirely offline.
Conclusion
Gboard offers a balance of convenience and privacy — but it’s not perfect.
While it doesn’t log everything you type, it does collect certain kinds of input for specific features.
Understanding and managing its settings is key to staying in control of your data.
Charles Esther