What is Google Advertising ID / GAID?
Google Advertising ID is a user-resettable identifier intended for advertising and measurement on Android devices that provide the relevant advertising ID service.
English name, abbreviation and common aliases
- English name: Google Advertising ID
- Abbreviation: GAID; AAID
- Common aliases: Google Ad ID, Android Advertising ID, AAID
How does Google Advertising ID / GAID work?
An app requests the advertising identifier from the supported provider and must respect the user’s ad-personalization choices. Users can reset the value, and restricted access can return a zeroed or unavailable identifier.
A concrete example
An analytics SDK reads a GAID for conversion measurement. After the user resets the advertising ID, the SDK must treat the new value separately rather than reconnect it to the old one without consent.
Google Advertising ID / GAID vs. related concepts
GAID is resettable and purpose-limited. Android ID has different app, user and device scoping, while IMEI is a restricted cellular-equipment identifier.
Use cases, benefits and risks
Typical uses include app compatibility testing, fraud prevention, analytics and checking environment consistency. The benefit is better diagnostics and separation. Persistent or combined identifiers also create privacy risk, so collection should be purpose-limited, permission-aware and compliant with platform policy.
How should GAID be understood on a DuoPlus cloud phone?
GAID is managed by Google Play services and the user’s Android privacy settings; it is not a fixed hardware fingerprint that DuoPlus uses to promise device uniqueness. DuoPlus can separate app data and cloud-phone environments, but Android version, user choice and Google policy determine whether an app can read GAID, when it resets and how it may be used for advertising.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Device also reset GAID?
Do not assume the two are permanently linked. Google Play services manage GAID, so the outcome depends on system version, the selected cleanup method and Google services state. Check Android’s privacy settings when needed.
Can GAID identify a specific person?
It is intended for advertising and analytics and should not be joined with personal identity data or used to bypass a user’s choice. Obtain required consent and follow Google Play and local privacy rules.
