Google’s new Search setting can save Lens images and voice searches. Here’s what it does and how to turn it off

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search privacy control called Search Services History. The setting decides whether Google saves certain activity from Search tools when a person is signed into a Google Account.

The change matters because the saved activity can go beyond typed queries. Google’s documentation says Search Services History may include Google Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and some other activity information.

What the setting changes

Google’s documentation says Search Services History is separate from Web & App Activity. That gives search-related history its own switch instead of keeping it under one broader privacy control.

Google says saved media may be used to improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures. In practice, that means photos, voice or files sent through search tools can help improve Google’s systems if the feature stays on.

The rollout is gradual, so not every account will see the new setting right away.

How to turn it off

Google says users can check the setting in Google My Activity, including at myactivity.google.com. From there, users can turn off Search Services History or uncheck Save Media.

Google also says that if the new setting has not reached an account yet, Web & App Activity may still control some Search services history until the rollout reaches that user.

What happens to data already saved

Turning off Save Media does not automatically delete media already stored, according to Google’s documentation. Google also says media that has already been selected for AI training is no longer connected to the account and may be kept for up to four years.

That means people who want to stop future collection may still need to review and delete earlier saved items separately.

Why this matters

For people who use Google Search by voice or image, the new control makes it easier to see what Google can save and how that data may be used. It also gives users a clearer way to opt out if they do not want search-related media kept for AI improvement.