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How to Reset or Delete Your Android Advertising ID

Every Android phone has a unique ID used to track you across apps. On Android 12+ you can delete it entirely.

Adrián Vega

By Adrián Vega

Published 12 January 2026 · Updated 27 May 2026 · 7 min read

Abstract data stream on a screen

Every Android phone ships with an Advertising ID — a string of digits unique to your device that lets advertisers track you across apps. On Android 12 and later you can delete it; on older versions you can only reset it.

What the advertising ID is

What the advertising ID is
Screenshot reference: What the advertising ID is

Think of it as a cookie that lives on your phone instead of in your browser. Apps with ad SDKs read it, send it to ad networks, and use it to build a profile of your interests.

Deleting it entirely

Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Ads > Delete advertising ID. After deletion, apps that request the ID receive a string of zeros — effectively breaking cross-app tracking.

Resetting if you can't delete

Resetting if you can't delete
Screenshot reference: Resetting if you can't delete

On older versions of Android, the same menu has Reset advertising ID instead. Run it once a month for partial protection.

Opting out of personalised ads

Visit myadcenter.google.com and switch off Personalised ads. This stops Google from using your data to personalise the ads you see — it does not reduce the number of ads.

Watch

Video walkthrough

A short video on android advertising id to complement the steps above.

Key takeaways

  • Android 12+ lets you delete the advertising ID entirely.
  • Deleted IDs are replaced with all-zeros, breaking cross-app tracking.
  • Personalised ads opt-out is a separate setting in My Ad Center.

Frequently asked questions

Will deleting the advertising ID stop all ads?
No — you'll still see ads, but they won't be personalised based on your in-app behaviour.
Do I have to redo this after a factory reset?
Yes. The ID is regenerated and you'll need to delete it again.

References & further reading

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