Attorney General William Tong has issued a consumer alert to inform the public about the process for receiving restitution from a $700 million settlement with Google. The settlement, secured by Tong and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in December 2023, addresses claims that Google harmed consumers by suppressing competition and raising prices on its Google Play Store.
The lawsuit alleged that Google maintained an unlawful monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. This monopoly allegedly allowed Google to charge consumers up to 30 percent in fees for purchasing apps and making in-app purchases. If approved by the court, most of the settlement funds will go to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023.
“Google abused its monopoly power to lock out competition and raise costs. Our $700 million settlement will send money back to consumers who were harmed by Google’s unfair and anticompetitive practices. Most payments will be automatic, but I encourage Google Play Store users to review the claims process and deadlines to understand what to expect following court approval,” said Attorney General Tong.
Google has already deposited $630 million into a settlement fund. Starting December 2, 2025, affected consumers began receiving notices about how they can claim their share of the funds. In most cases, payments will be made automatically without requiring a claim form.
After court approval, consumers will receive notification via email from PayPal or text from Venmo at the contact information associated with their Google Play account. If that contact information matches an existing PayPal or Venmo account, payment will be sent directly there. If not, recipients can create an account or direct payment to another PayPal or Venmo account using a different email address or phone number.
A supplemental claims process will be available after automatic payments are distributed for those who do not have or do not wish to use PayPal or Venmo, no longer have access to their original contact information linked with their Google Play account, or expected but did not receive payment. Consumers may sign up on the settlement website with their name, email address, and mobile phone number if they want email notifications when this supplemental process begins.
Key dates include February 19, 2026—the deadline for consumers wishing to exclude themselves from the settlement or file objections—and April 30, 2026, when a hearing is scheduled for final court approval.
Attorneys general from all U.S. states as well as several territories joined Attorney General Tong in securing this agreement. Assistant Attorney General Victoria Field and Deputy Associate Attorney General Nicole Demers also contributed to this matter.