Google Maps to Delete Your Location History: How to Stop It
Google Maps plans to soon delete your location history. Here's how to prevent it.
Google Maps: Major Change Ahead
Google Maps, renowned for its location tracking feature officially known as “Timeline,” is set to undergo significant changes. A shift from cloud to local storage has been previously announced, and users are now receiving emails alerting them to the imminent change.
A Beneficial Shift with Major Implications
Moving from cloud to local storage is undoubtedly a positive development. However, this transition comes with a significant downside: Google will delete all Timeline data older than three months during the process, unless users take action to prevent this mass deletion.
The Date of the Big Change
According to Android Authority, some of the email notifications state that this significant change will occur on November 19, while others suggest a date no earlier than December 1. It’s probably wise to back up your data now if you wish to keep it. Fortunately, this should be a straightforward process.
How to Back Up Your Data?
Anyone who has received a warning email from Google Maps will find a link at the bottom of the email that allows them to check their current Timeline settings. This includes the option to keep all Timeline data indefinitely, regardless of age, or until you choose to delete it yourself. You also have the option to automatically delete all data after three months, a setting I have utilized for many years.
If you haven’t received one of these emails or if you want to ensure you have a backup of your Timeline data, there is another option. Visit takeout.google.com, uncheck all options except Location History (Timeline). From there, click on Next Step > Create export, and you will receive a backup copy of your entire recorded location history. Google is also rolling out a dedicated export button on individual devices, hidden in the Location Services menu.
However, this seems to be in anticipation of transferring the location history to users’ devices rather than the cloud, as it will only export location data recorded on your phone. This makes sense since you cannot download data from the web if it is not stored in the cloud.