How to Delete a Backup That's Synced and Stored on Your Gmail Account

Google's Android operating system lets you back up your data to your Google Account and, if you want, restore that data to a new Android device when you sign in with your Gmail username and password. The backup feature is designed to help you transition between devices easily, but it can become frustrating when you're switching devices often and you don't want Android to install all your apps, settings, and passwords every time you log in to a new device.

Step 1

Find out what information Google is backing up for you by looking at your Google Dashboard (see link in Resources). Once you log in, you can see all the applications and devices where you have data stored with Google. Under the Android section you can see which devices have been registered with your Gmail username and password, when they were last activated and which backups are on Google's servers. Typically Google will back up your Android settings, dictionary and market applications.

Step 2

Unlock the Android device for which you want to delete the backup information. Open the application launcher and select the Settings icon. Scroll down to the Personal section and tap "Backup & Reset." Tap the check boxes next to Back up My Data and Automatic Restore to disable those features.

Step 3

Tap the back button to return to the main Settings menu. Select "Language & Input" from the Personal section. Tap the settings icon to the right of Google Keyboard, tap "Personal Dictionary" and tap a word in your personal dictionary. Touch the trash icon at the bottom right of the screen. Repeat for all the words in your personal dictionary. Back out of the personal dictionary and Google Keyboard. Scroll down and tap "Voice Search." Uncheck the box next to "Personal Recognition" to remove your personal voice profile from Google's servers.

Step 4

Return to the app launcher and select the Play Store. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right and select "My Apps." Touch the spot on the bar labeled "All" to see all your apps listed on Google's backup of your account. Tap the "X" next to each app that you want to delete from your Google Account.

Tip

The only way to completely delete all information from your Google Account is to delete the account.



Google: Dashboard

Google: Device Manager

Google Support: Configure Sync Options

Google Support: Change Backup & Reset Options

Google Support: Nexus 4