Google

Google Maps To Delete Timeline Location History If Users “Take No Action”

Highlights

Google is changing its Maps location-tracking feature.
It will only save the last three months of location history on your device.
Will delete older data permanently.
Users must act by November 19 to save their Timeline data
To save location history, use Google Takeout or the new export option under device settings.

Google Maps Timeline data older than three months will be deleted. (Photo by Henry Perks on Unsplash)

If you attach some sentimental value to your Google Maps Timeline location history, it is time you take action before Google deletes your history forever.

Google is making changes to its Maps location-tracking feature, which will erase much of your past location history unless you take steps to save it soon.

By default, only the last three months of your location history will be saved on your device, with older data deleted permanently.

Google announced its plans to shift Timeline data from cloud storage to on-device storage last year in December 2023.

It was reported that the change will happen by the end of 2024. However, some users are now reportedly receiving emails warning them to act by November 19 to save their Timeline data.

In its recent report, Android Authority shared screenshots of an email received by one of its team members, Adamya Sharma.

Screenshots of Google Maps email to some users about the November 19 deadline for Timeline change. (Image credit – Android Authority)

Google Maps Timeline tracks your past locations on a map showing where you’ve been over time.

This feature was first introduced in 2015 for Android users and in 2017 for iOS users. It allows users to keep safe nearly a decade of location data.

How to Save Your Google Maps Timeline Data?

If you want to keep your location history beyond the last three months, the email from Google should include a link to save it. However, some users report that using this link has wiped their history, so consider an alternative method to back up your data.

Google’s email to users warning about the change has a link to change settings. (Screenshot credit – Android Authority)

A way to save your Timeline data is through Google Takeout:

Go to takeout.google.com.
De-select all except Location History (Timeline).
Select Next step > Create export.

Moreover, Google is slowly adding an option to export Timeline data directly from your device under Settings > Location > Location services > Timeline. However, this export feature seems to apply only to data on that specific device rather than your entire Timeline history.

FAQs

Q1. What changes is Google making to its Maps location-tracking feature?

Answer. Google will only save the last three months of your location history on your device, with older data being deleted permanently.

Q2. When do users need to act to save their Google Maps Timeline data?

Answer. Users must act by November 19 to save their Timeline data, as Google has warned in emails sent to some users.

Q3. How can users save their Google Maps Timeline data?

Answer. Users can save their location history using Google Takeout by visiting takeout.google.com, de-selecting all except Location History (Timeline), and selecting Next step > Create export. Alternatively, they can use the new export option under device settings: Settings > Location > Location services > Timeline.

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