Google is making significant changes to its Maps Timeline feature that tracks location history. As part of this update, you’ll soon receive a notification that unless you back up your timeline data, it will be automatically deleted after a certain deadline. This move represents a move toward greater privacy, as Google plans to store timeline data locally on your device rather than on its servers. While this change is intended to protect your data from unauthorized access, it also means that any location history that is not backed up may be permanently lost.
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Google Maps (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
What will change in Google Maps Timeline?
Google Maps’ location tracking function “Timeline” is undergoing a major update. Previously, Google announced plans to move this data to local storage. The company is now sending out emails warning you about this upcoming change.
Unless you take action, Google will begin deleting the past three months of Timeline data. The move to local storage improves privacy for users concerned about sharing their location data with Google, but it also means past location history may be lost forever if you don’t take action. .
After you receive the notification, your timeline data must be stored or transferred for approximately 6 months before it is deleted. The email will be sent from “Google Location History” with the subject line “Do you want to keep your timeline? Decide by (date).”
Please note that not everyone has received these notifications yet, so there is no need to rush right away. However, once you receive the email, you have six months to make a decision.
Man using Google Maps on his mobile phone (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
How Google Maps can do more with location data
Why save timeline data?
There are several reasons why users might want to save their Google Maps timeline data.
Personal Memories: The Timeline feature lets you revisit past trips and experiences, acting as a digital diary of the places you’ve visited and the routes you’ve taken. For many, these memories are precious and worth preserving.
Trip planning: Access past location data to help plan future trips. Analyze your past trips and make informed decisions about destinations, accommodations, and activities based on past experiences.
Safety and Security: Keeping track of the places you visit can help with your personal safety. In the event of an emergency or conflict, a detailed movement history can provide critical information.
Data ownership: Moving to local storage gives you more control over your data. Storing this information keeps it accessible and private without relying on cloud services that may be vulnerable to compromise.
Avoid loss: Google indicates that any unbacked up Location History will be deleted after migration. If you wish to retain your data, you must act promptly to prevent permanent loss.
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How to back up your location history
If you received the email above, or just want to make sure your timeline data is saved, you can:
1) Google’s timeline export tool:
Go to takeout.google.com and deselect all options except Location History (Timeline). Click (Next Step) and select (Create Export). You will receive a backup of your data and a note will appear at the bottom of the screen that says “Google is making a copy of your data from your Location History (Timeline).” This process may take a long time (sometimes hours or days) to complete. You will receive an email when the export is complete.
2) Google is rolling out the ability to export timeline data directly from your device. To use:
On your phone or tablet:
Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner. Select your timeline. Tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select your location and privacy settings. Scroll down and tap Export Timeline Data. You may be presented with various options for exporting your data. , share via email, messaging apps, save to cloud services, and more. Choose the method that best suits your needs. 1) If you choose to share via email, tapping the email option will open your email app with the exported data attached. Enter the recipient’s email address and send. 2) If you selected a messaging app, follow the prompts to send the file through that app.
On the computer:
Navigate to Google Maps in your web browser. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen. Select Saved. Click the Map tab. Scroll down and click Create Map. Tap Create. In the new window, click Import to upload the exported data.
Note that this backup is specific to that device, so you may need to repeat this process on other devices you use.
Note: Some users have reported that their data was deleted even though they requested not to lose anything. To avoid this, we recommend backing up your timeline data regularly.
Google reminder email (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
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Other ways to stay private
While this update may allow you to avoid sharing your location data with Google, it’s important to remember that Google also collects personal data in other ways. Here are some additional steps you can take to protect your privacy.
1) Turn off Google location data. This prevents Google Photos from being able to estimate where the photo was taken. Here’s how:
On your phone or tablet:
Open the Google Photos app. Click your profile icon in the top right corner of your screen. Select your Google Photos settings. Click on Privacy. Click on the location option. Turn off the switch next to the location that says “Estimate missing locations.” This prevents Google Photos from inferring where a photo was taken based on location history data.
2) Disable facial recognition: Sharing your facial data with Google allows Google to collect your information without your consent, share it with third parties, or use it in ways you may not be aware of. there is. Here’s how to turn it off:
Open Google Photos on your phone. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Go to Google Photos settings and select it. Click Privacy. Disable face groups by turning off the switch next to where it says “Face Groups.”
3) Delete your YouTube history: Google tracks your YouTube viewing history and suggests videos based on your past activity. This is useful for finding similar content, but it can also feel like an invasion of privacy. Here’s how to exit:
On the desktop:
Visit YouTube.com. Sign in to your YouTube account. Click the profile icon in the top right corner. Click on YouTube data. Click Manage YouTube search history. Click Delete, then Always Delete. Click Delete and you will be prompted to confirm your decision. Then click OK.
For mobile:
Open the YouTube app on your phone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Go to and tap (Settings) in the top right corner of the screen. Select (History & Privacy). Tap (Clear playback history). Click (Clear watch history) to confirm your decision. A pop-up will appear. Make sure your viewing history is cleared
Examples of YouTube history (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
4) Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can greatly increase your privacy when using Google Maps and other online services. Here’s how it helps:
Mask your IP address: A VPN hides your real IP address, making it harder for Google to track your physical location. Encrypt your data. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data from potential eavesdroppers. Bypass geo-restrictions: Access Google. It provides maps and other services as if you were in another location, potentially allowing you to avoid location-based tracking.
To use a VPN with Google Maps:
Choose a trusted VPN service provider Install a VPN app on your device Connect to a VPN server before opening Google Maps Use Google Maps as usual with more privacy protection
Important warning: Although using a VPN increases your privacy, it can interfere with Google Maps’ ability to provide accurate directions. This is because the VPN routes your connection through a server in another location, which can cause the app to incorrectly believe your current location. If you need accurate navigation or directions from your current location, consider temporarily disabling your VPN while using Google Maps to ensure accurate results.
Pro tip: For maximum privacy, use a VPN in conjunction with Google Maps’ incognito mode. This will no longer associate your search and location data with your Google Account, providing additional anonymity.
Recommended VPN services: To find the best VPN that works across devices like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and more, check out my expert reviews of the top VPN software. These reviews highlight options that prioritize privacy, speed, and reliability.
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Cart important points
Google’s decision to delete your Location History after three months is a major move to give you more control over your data and improve your privacy by storing your information locally. With privacy concerns on the rise, it’s encouraging to see companies like Google taking steps to improve transparency and user choice.
What other concerns do you have about Google privacy? Email us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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