Google Play users who made purchases between 2016-2023 are getting at least $2, and you don’t have to do anything to claim it

Google Play users in the US are getting official settlement emails about a big antitrust case against Google. The notice says that eligible users who bought apps or made in-app purchases from the Play Store between 2016 and 2023 may get an automatic payout as part of Google’s $630 million settlement. Payments will be sent through PayPal or Venmo after the court gives final approval.

If you got an email about a Google Play settlement recently and thought it might be fake, you’re not the only one. Users are now getting an official court-approved notice in their inboxes about a Google antitrust settlement that was announced a few weeks ago.

According to Android Authority, the emails are about a major consumer protection case brought by attorneys general from all 50 US states, Washington DC, and several US territories against Google. The lawsuit claimed Google used its control over the Play Store and in-app billing system to overcharge customers and limit competition on certain Android devices. Google denies these claims but agreed to settle the case.

Google is paying up after years of alleged overcharging

The emails are showing up now because the court approved sending notices to potentially eligible consumers. The notice tells users about their rights and explains how they may get money from the $630 million settlement fund. Tech companies facing legal scrutiny isn’t new, as seen in a chilling ChatGPT lawsuit message that recently made headlines.

According to the notice, Play Store users who paid for apps or made in-app purchases through Google Play Billing between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, while living in the United States or select US territories, can get at least $2 or more as part of the settlement. The final amount depends on how much a user spent compared to other users.

If you qualify for the payout, you don’t need to do anything. The notice says payments will be sent automatically once the settlement gets final court approval. Payouts will go through PayPal or Venmo using the email address or phone number linked to a user’s Google Play account. If a user can’t access that account or doesn’t use those services, a separate claims process will be available later.

The email also says that by accepting a payment, users agree not to sue Google separately over the same Play Store-related claims. Those who want to object to the settlement or opt out completely must do so by February 19, 2026. While tech companies work on legal matters, they’re also advancing health features, like Samsung’s life-saving wearable detection technology coming soon.

The notice was issued by order of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The official DC government page also links to the settlement website mentioned in the email, confirming that the notice is real and not a scam.