Google is rolling out a significant change to its Maps feature that will automatically delete users’ location history unless action is taken. The Timeline feature, which tracks where users have been over time, will now store only the past three months of data by default. If users want to save their older location history, they must back it up manually.
What Is Google Maps Timeline?
Google Maps Timeline is a tool that maps out a user’s historical location data, showing where they’ve been and when. Introduced in 2015 and later expanded to iOS in 2017, the feature has allowed users to keep a detailed record of their movements, some stretching back nearly a decade.
Aside from offering users a nostalgic look at their journeys, Google has also used Timeline data to enhance advertising metrics, but only with the user’s consent. Currently, Timeline syncs data across devices via cloud storage, but with this upcoming update, it will become device-specific, stored locally rather than on Google’s servers.
How Is Timeline Changing?
The change, announced in December 2023, will see Google transferring Timeline data from cloud storage to users' devices. By default, only the most recent three months of location history will be downloaded to the device, while older data will be permanently erased.
Users have approximately six months from the time they are notified to back up their data before it is deleted. Notifications about the deadline will arrive via email, and users are advised to act promptly to secure their data.
How to Save Your Timeline Data
To prevent your location history from being lost, you can use the email link provided by Google to retain your data. However, some users have reported issues with the link wiping their data entirely. To avoid this risk, use Google Takeout to manually export your location history:
Visit Google Takeout.
Deselect all options except Location History (Timeline).
Click Next Step and then Create Export to download your data.
A Broader Shift in Google’s Services
This change to Google Maps Timeline is part of a larger trend where Google is moving away from offering free cloud storage. In 2021, Google Photos discontinued its free unlimited storage, and YouTube, another Google subsidiary, has considered or implemented features like 4K playback as part of its paid Premium subscription.
Although the move to on-device storage might bring new challenges, many users will likely focus on saving their data and moving forward. That said, there’s still no word on how much device storage the Timeline history will require.
For more details and future updates, stay tuned to our phones coverage.
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