Moving away from Google is a laborious process; it's not going to be easy, so know that before jumping in.
Their systems are designed to keep you in their ecosystem, where you donate your personal data to them at no cost.
Instructions
📆 Step 1
Firstly, you're going to want to clear your calendar.
If you have around 300GB or more on Google's servers, like I did, it might take around a week to download all of it.
📥 Step 2
Request a data collection bundle from Google's Takeout.
You can use their user interface to select which types of data you want, and from what products. I would recommend you select them all, if you're planning to completely leave Google.
⏲ Step 3
Wait.
Google's Takeout systems might take around 2 hours to a whole day to collect your information. I had 300GB, and it only took them a few hours.
Your mileage may vary, however.
🕵️♂️ Step 4
Spoof your User Agent.
- If you're using Firefox, you'll want to download this extension
- Otherwise, if you're using Chrome or any derivative, you're good to go already.
The reason for this extension is to trick Google into thinking you're using Chrome, when you're actually using another browser.
Otherwise, Google will most likely throttle your download speeds, as they have done in the past for platforms such as YouTube for visitors using Firefox.
Anyhow, if you are on Firefox, you'll need to download that extension, and enable the "Chrome / Windows" setting.
🥡 Step 5
Download.
When the bundles have downloaded, you'll most likely get an email notification from Google.
Now, go back to Takeout.
You'll want to start downloading them now, before they expire (they expire in a week).
My advice would be to only download 4 bundles at a time. I believe Google throttles any subsequent concurrent downloads.
👋 Step 6
If you're feeling like a good Samaritan, you could even delete your Google account.
I really hope this article has encouraged you to throw Google out of your life.
Top comments (1)
No problem! Hope it helps you.