Google has agreed to settle a lawsuit with all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories for a total of $700 million. This settlement is intended to compensate users who purchase apps and subscriptions through the Google Play Store, after allegations that Google abused its dominant position to inflate prices and limit competition.
Settlement Breakdown: Fees and Deductions
Although the settlement amount is significant, not all of the $700 million goes directly to consumers. About 10% ($70 million) is allocated to cover state penalties, fees, and other expenses, pending court approval. Additionally, attorneys handling the case typically claim between 25% and 35% of the funds. If lawyers take the lower 25% slice, approximately $472.5 million remains for claimants. If they take 35%, the amount distributed to consumers could drop to $409.5 million.
Who Qualifies and How to Claim?
To be eligible for the settlement, you must have made a purchase using Google Play billing between August 2016 and September 2023. Eligible transactions include paid apps, in-app purchases, and subscription services bought within the Google Play Store. Fortunately, qualifying for the settlement is simple for most users, as Google will use existing data to identify entitled claimants automatically.
Instead of submitting a claim form, Google will calculate each person’s share based on their transaction history and distribute payments through PayPal or Venmo linked to the claimant’s Google Play account email or phone number. For anyone who cannot receive automatic payments or does not use these services, a supplemental payment program will be available. You can sign up for notifications and updates at the official settlement site: OpenClassActions.com.
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
- You have until February 19, 2026, to opt out of the settlement if you want to pursue your own lawsuit against Google.
- February 19, 2026, is also the deadline to file any objections regarding the settlement with the court.
- The final approval hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
Expected Payouts: What You Can Anticipate Receiving
While the amounts will vary based on individual purchases, every qualifying claimant is expected to receive at least $2. Those who spent more on apps, games, and subscriptions will naturally receive larger payments. Although the settlement won't make anyone wealthy, it does provide a modest refund recognizing the impact of Google's alleged anticompetitive practices.
This settlement emphasizes how valuable the data collected by Google can be—saving claimants the hassle of paperwork, as payments will be processed automatically for most people.
