Since it was originally launched in 2004, Google’s free Gmail service has quickly become one of the most widely used email platforms in the entire world.
As per Google’s own estimates, the service is currently used by more than 1.5 billion people – a trend that shows absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Based on that, it’s likely that you are among the many, many people who use Gmail on a regular basis. You may even have the company’s official app installed on your iPhone right now.
And if you’re concerned about your privacy, you may want to delete it as quickly as you possibly can.
Gmail and Privacy: Breaking Things Down
Over the last few years, Apple has introduced a number of features into the iOS operating system that are designed to protect the privacy of iPhone users everywhere.
Not too long ago, they debuted a feature that let people know which apps were tracking them, how that information was being used and where on the Internet it may end up.
Which is exactly where Google enters into this conversation.
Immediately after the feature went live, Google stopped updating its official iPhone apps – likely so that they didn’t have to disclose how they were collecting, storing and sharing user information.
Then, Google updated apps including the Gmail app – along with a promise that made it clear they would “not develop new methods to track its users.”
That came as good news, from a certain perspective. But what about the existing methods it was using to track its users? That’s where things get a bit murky.
To be fair, there are those who have suggested that Google may be working in some capacity to tone down the amount of data that it is collecting from Gmail users. But at the same time, it’s difficult to deny that something suspicious is going on – and users may be the ones that come out behind in this scenario.
Regardless, when you consider the sheer amount of personal information that Google can collect on you, it may not be a good idea to keep that app installed on your iPhone if privacy is one of your top concerns.
Thankfully, uninstalling the application from your iPhone is simple.
All you have to do is tap and hold on the “Gmail” icon and then, once all the icons on your “Home” screen start to wiggle, just tap the “X” and it will be gone from your iPhone for good.
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OMG I can’t imagine having to switch from Gmail to another app. The number of merchants, friends, family, professional services, etc., that would have to be notified of the change would be a real pain. And then, what to use instead? I have tried Apple’s mail app but have nothing but trouble with it. What else is there?
I see and understand your pain.
Maybe Pete has a shortcut to notify everyone you want notified.
I would like Tom ow also , Pete?
You don’t have to lose your Gmail. If you go to the top left where the horizontal lines are that opens to your folders, scroll down to all mail. When you click on it all your mail is in one place, both gmail & Apple mail. Deleting your icon does not delete your gmail.
I have Microsoft email with
……….”msn.com”since 1990 and I have never had a problem ever. I have Microsoft Outlook mail on my tablet and iPhone no problem.
I don’t use the gmail app but do get to my gmail inbox using the Apple mail app provided by my phone. I assume that is safe. Correct?
What should we replace our Gmail with?
So what email app should we use??
I totally agree with Sue! WHAT are we to change to??
If I delete this icon where while my email go to. I also have a blue icon that is mail but I only get a few emails ther.
If we should not use GMail app what do we use instead?
What information is google collecting from gmails? Give an example of “critical” data that they are collecting. Otherwise, this warning is pure nonsense.
I have three apps that I use for mail and other uses: iCloud, Gmail, and Frontier. How do I get all the Gmail info into the other apps? Thank you for your help.
does my Google email address have to be run on Google? Is the address owned by Google? Can it be used with Apple Mail and have the privacy Apple offers but use the familiar address that my contacts use? Is it the .gmail extension that gathers information or the google process of passing mail back and forth amongst people?
Do you know if Google Drive has the same issue?
What bugs me most about gmail is how some emails are separated from the inbox and I don’t even know I have a new email from one of these regulars unless I do a search. I have missed countless emails due to this.
Why does google separate them? How can I be notified if a new email arrives?
Thank you for all your helpful tips.
Judy
I don’t use G mail at all frankly I don’t like it so I’m not on there list.
I had the same OMG! reaction as the others. Is this a wait and see situation? What exactly is at risk?
I use gmail on my mobile devices but not the app
Would I still need to stop using my gmail account?
Recommendations for another email provider?
I’ve used gmail for so many years. I have used Yahoo, msn or Outlook. But How are they as far as security? Come on Pete, you tell us to stop using gmail & i agree cuz I have deleted all of other google apps but this one. I don’t use facebook messaging except to some who won’t change and I use Signal for that. It’s a secure messaging. For my search engine of browser I use Safari or duck duck go. It’s also a secure browser.
I guess we have to research ourselves.
Is this referring just to iPhone or to iPad too? I seem to be able to access my gmail account without having the icon since I’ve put my gmail account in “Mail” in the Settings.
I’ve used GMail since it first started. I’ve sent government secrets to Mars on it and no one has caught me. My wife was forced to use another mail program when she upgraded to 10 and she hates it. No matter which one you use someone is going to spy on you .
Don’t worry – Be Happy.
What are we supposed to replace Gmail with and what happens to the mail we’ve already viewed and some saved in files