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. This change is intended to protect your data from unauthorized access, but it also means that any location history that is not backed up may be lost forever.
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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 is sent from “Google Location History” and has the subject line “Do you want to keep your timeline? Decide.” [date]. ”
Keep in mind that not everyone has received these notifications yet, so there’s 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.
Planning your trip: Accessing past location data can help you plan future trips. Analyze your past trips and make informed decisions about destinations, accommodations, and activities based on your past experiences.
Safety and security: Keeping a record of the places you visit helps 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.
Loss avoidance: Google says that any location history that is not backed up will be deleted after the 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:
- visit takeout.google.com
- Deselect all options except Location history (timeline)
- click next step
- choose Create an 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 Google Maps app
- Please tap profile photo or your initials in the upper right corner.
- choice your timeline
- Tap. three points It’s in the top right corner.
- choice Location and privacy settings
- Scroll down and tap Export timeline data
- You’ll probably see a variety of options for exporting your data, including sharing via email, messaging apps, and saving to a cloud service. Choose the method that best suits your needs. 1) If you choose to share via email, email optionsClick to open your email app with the exported data attached. Enter the recipient’s email address and send. 2) If you select messaging appFollow the prompts to send the file through that app.
On the computer:
- go to Google Maps in a web browser
- Click on three horizon line in the upper left corner of the screen
- choice saved
- Click. map tab.
- Scroll down and click create a map
- tap create
- In the new window, click import 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 despite requesting not to lose anything. To avoid this, we recommend backing up your timeline data regularly.
Google reminder email (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
This Google Maps trick will greatly improve your ability to navigate directions
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 Google Photos app
- Please click profile icon top right corner of the screen
- choice Google Photos settings
- click privacy
- click location options
- Turn off the switch next to the location shown Estimate the missing location. 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 puts you at risk of Google collecting your information without your consent, sharing it with third parties, or using it in ways you may not be aware of. Here’s how to turn it off:
- open Google Photos on your phone
- Please tap profile icon in the upper right corner
- go to Google Photos settings and select
- click privacy
- To disable face grouping, turn off the switch next to the location where it appears. face group
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:
- go to YouTube.com
- sign in to your YouTube account
- Please click profile icon in the upper right corner
- click Your data in YouTube
- click Manage your YouTube search history
- click erase, then click Delete all
- You will be asked to confirm your decision by clicking erase
- then click Understood
For mobile:
- open YouTube app on your phone
- Please tap profile icon in the bottom right corner
- go to setting Tap in the top right corner of the screen
- choice history and privacy
- tap Clear viewing history
- Click to confirm your decision Clear viewing history
- A pop-up notification will appear showing your viewing history 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 difficult 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. You can access Google Maps and other services as if you were in another location, potentially avoiding location-based tracking.
To use a VPN with Google Maps:
- Please select Reputable VPN service provider
- Install a VPN app on your device
- Connect to VPN server Before opening Google Maps
- use Google Maps As always, added privacy protection
Important notes: Using a VPN increases your privacy, but 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 with 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.
6 ways to take back your privacy with Google
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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