Google Maps is about to get a big privacy boost, but Timeline fans could lose their data
One of Google Maps’ most popular features, Timeline, is about to get a lot more secure. To give you a quick refresher, Timeline acts as a diary of sorts, keeping track of all the routes and trips you’ve taken in the past. It’s a fun way to relive memories.
To use this tool, people must upload their data to company servers for storage. However, that will change later this year, according to a recent email obtained by Android PoliceGoogle will soon store timeline data on your smartphone.
Migrating Maps data to localized device storage would significantly improve security by no longer forcing you to upload sensitive information to public servers. However, due to the upcoming change, Google has decided to discontinue Timeline for Web. Users have until December 1, 2024 to move everything from the online source to their phone’s storage drive. Failure to take action could result in valuable data being lost, such as moments from your timeline.
“Google will attempt to move up to 90 days of timeline data to the first signed-in device” after the cutoff date. However, anything older than 90 days will be deleted and it is important to take note of the wording. They are “trying” to save as much as possible, which means there is no guarantee that Google will migrate everything successfully if you miss the deadline. It is not known why this is the case, although we have asked.
Configure timeline
The company is asking people to view their Google Maps settings and choose which device their “saved visits and routes” will be saved to. Their email provides a link to the app’s settings menu, but if you didn’t receive the message, you can navigate to Google Maps on your mobile device to make the changes there. That’s how we did it.
First, update Google Maps if you haven’t already done so, then head to the Timeline section, where you’ll be greeted with a notification informing you of upcoming changes.
Then click the Next button. A new window will appear asking you how long you want to keep your data. You can choose to store the information until you delete it, or you can set an automatic deletion feature. Users can have Google Maps delete their timeline after three, 18, or 36 months have passed.
Additionally, you can choose to back up to Google’s servers. Android Police explains that this revamped system manages Maps timelines for each device “independently.” So if you buy a new smartphone and want to restore your data, using the backup tool is the best way.
What’s interesting is that the timeline transfer is one-way. Google says this on a Maps Help page that once the data is moved to your smartphone, you cannot return to the previous method. We experienced this firsthand as we couldn’t find a way to upload data to corporate servers outside of the backup feature after locating the storage.
If you haven’t received the email or the Google Map patch yet, don’t worry. Android Police says the company is rolling out the changes slowly. Make sure you keep an eye on either one.
Check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Android phones for 2024.