Unique identifiers
A unique identifier (ID) is assigned to a specific device or item like a smartphone. Some data brokers use these IDs to track your habits and sell or share your data.
In DROP, you can enter in the IDs for your cell phone, smart TV, or car (VIN). These IDs aren’t always tied to your name, birthday, email, or phone number.
Some IDs, like your VIN, may be easier to locate than others. Use the information below to determine which of these identifiers you can find and add to your DROP request. DROP doesn’t require these IDs to work – but adding more identifiers can help increase the chances that a data brokers finds and deletes your information.
For more details about locating your Mobile Advertising ID or MAID, check out the video below. The steps to find your MAID may vary by device and operating system. A MAID is not required to submit your DROP request.
Cell phones or tablets
Mobile Advertising ID (MAID)
A MAID is a unique identifier assigned to a specific mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. It allows data brokers to track a user’s activity within apps and across different platforms for targeted advertising purposes.
Watch or share our video guide to mobile advertising IDs (MAID) below. El video también está disponible en español.
A MAID contains up to 36 characters, including 4 hyphens.
Format: Alphanumeric, 32 characters, 4 hyphens
XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX
Samsung
To find the MAID on an Samsung device:
- Go to Settings
- Find Google
- Scroll to Security and privacy
- Select More Privacy Settings.
- Open Ads.Here you can find your MAID
Android
To find the MAID on an Android device:
- Go to Settings
- Find Google
- Scroll to Privacy and security
- Open Ads. Here you can find your MAID
Apple
Apple’s iOS operating system does not currently provide the IDFA (their name for a MAID) in its user interface.
If your iOS device has “Allow Apps to Request to Track” (under Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking) set to Off, your device does not currently have an IDFA. This means that there is not a current identifier you can enter into DROP as a MAID for your iOS device. If your tracking is set to On, you can consider switching the setting to Off to stop tracking on your device moving forward (as discussed in the blog post, Understanding Mobile Advertising IDs and DROP).
While we’re aware that there are third-party apps that can find your IDFA, please note that we do not require or advise that you use any third-party app to create your DROP profile.
Smart TVs
Connected TV ID
A TV ID is a unique identifier assigned to a smart TV. Some data brokers use it to track a user’s activity within apps and across different platforms for targeted advertising purposes. It contains up to 36 characters.
The exact location, format, and name for the ID varies by TV brand. Using your remote, go to your TV settings. You’ll want to look for:
- Support
- System Information
- About
- Device information
Look for something called a connected TV ID, unique ID, or device ID.
Personal vehicles
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A VIN is a 17-character code, which is a unique identifying code given to a specific vehicle when it’s manufactured.
You can find the code on a plate on the dashboard near the windshield or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.
You can also find this number on vehicle registration document, vehicle title, or your insurance documents.
Take action
Submit a DROP request or sign up to receive future updates.