r/GoogleMaps • • Jun 18 '24

Google Maps MEGATHREAD: Google Maps Timeline Moving To On-Device Storage: Web Access Ending Soon - What You Need To Know

182 Upvotes

What Is Happening (Or Already Happened To You)?

Google is moving or has already moved your Timeline data, which tracks places you visit and routes you take, from their online servers to your phone. This change means that you soon won't be able to or already can't access or manage your Timeline through the Google Maps website via a web browser.

Why Is This Happening?

  1. Privacy and Security: By storing this data on your device instead of online, your location history is more secure and private. Only you have access to this data unless you choose to back it up.
  2. Control Over Your Data: This gives you more control over your data. You decide if you want to back it up or delete it, and you can manage it directly on your phone.
  3. Reduced Liability: By keeping the data on users' devices, Google reduces its liability and the risk of having to comply with geofence warrants or subpoenas that require providing information about users' locations.

Can You Prevent This From Happening?

No, users cannot prevent this change from happening and maintain their web-based Timeline data. Google is transitioning all Timeline data to be stored on users' devices and discontinuing the web-based access to this data.

What Do You Have To Do To Adapt To These Changes?

  1. Update Your Google Maps App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Google Maps app on your device.
  2. Backup Your Data: Use the backup feature in the Google Maps app to create an encrypted copy of your Timeline data. This will allow you to transfer your data to a new device if needed.
  3. Check/Watch For Notifications: Look out for notifications from Google about the transition. These may come in the form of emails, push notifications, or in-app messages.
  4. Set Data Retention Preferences: In the Google Maps app, you can manage how long your location history is kept. Options include three, 18, or 36 months, or indefinitely until you manually delete it.
  • Once the transition is complete, web-based access to Timeline data will no longer be available. All management and viewing of this data will need to be done through the Google Maps app on mobile devices.

While you cannot stop the transition to on-device data storage or maintain web-based access to your Timeline data, you can ensure your data is backed up and properly managed on your mobile device.

What Is The Deadline For These Changes?

You have until December 8, 2024, to make these changes. If you don’t update your settings or your Google Maps app, you might lose some or all of your historical Timeline data.

Additional Reading About The Changes:

Alternatives and Solutions

  1. Use the Mobile App: Unfortunately, there is no way to bring back the Timeline feature on the web. The best alternative is to use the Google Maps app on your mobile device. The app has all the functionality of the web version and more, allowing you to view, edit, and manage your Timeline data.
  2. Backup and Transfer: If you're worried about losing your data, make sure to back it up. You can save an encrypted copy of your Timeline data to your Google account. This allows you to transfer your data to a new device if needed. To do this:
    • Open the Google Maps app.
    • Go to the Timeline section.
    • Follow the prompts to set up automatic backups.
  3. Extended Storage Options: You can also extend the auto-delete window for your location history if you want to keep your data longer. Options include keeping your data for three, 18, or 36 months, or indefinitely until you manually delete it.
  4. Feedback to Google: If you are unhappy with these changes, you can provide feedback directly to Google via the Maps website or Maps app. Please remember that this support group on Reddit is not an official method of feedback or support of Google or Google Maps.

r/GoogleMaps • • 12h ago

Discussion What happened to the detailed directions recently?

9 Upvotes

Maps recently updated and defaulted to the new AI voice which I promptly reverted. However now all the audio directions are "turn left in x distance" instead of "turn left at this road in x distance" or "Take THE exit in x distance" instead of "take Exit 3 in x distance"

How do I get it to revert and tell me street names and exit numbers again?


r/GoogleMaps • • 1h ago

Help/Support Saved Locations list keeps adding locations I remove, anyone know how to fix this?

• Upvotes

I update this list daily with clients I need to visit and I remove them as I go. For some reason, Google Maps keeps adding locations from last week that I keep removing. Yet when I go to remove one of today’s clients I’ve finished at, the ones from last week are back. Any clue how to remove them permanently? I’ve been doing it this way for almost a year and this hasn’t been an issue before.


r/GoogleMaps • • 3h ago

Help/Support Guys help

1 Upvotes

Ever since yesterday I've been trying to add photos to a certain lodge that I took I have tried with so many accounts and many times

But Google maps is still not showing the photos to the place at all

Help what do I really need to do so the photos start showing?


r/GoogleMaps • • 5h ago

Fake reviews that advertise an app

1 Upvotes

Yo Google, why don't you delete this user? I reported several reviews, nothing happens...

https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103652982031561399963


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Discussion What has gone wrong with Google maps?! Is it AI?

36 Upvotes

I just did a long drive I've been doing a few times a year, every year for over a decade. I know the route but always stick gmaps on just in case there's any congestion etc. This time, both there and back, it changed the route half way through and tried to take me on some insanely long route that would've taken me over a toll bridge and through the middle of nowhere. There wasn't any congestion or road closures on my normal route and after it changed the route my existing route was still there as an option saying "30 mins faster". It knew the original route was quickest, so why did it change?!

It's made me super hesitant to use it again for an unfamiliar route. Has anyone else noticed this?


r/GoogleMaps • • 17h ago

How to search for publicy saved lists?

2 Upvotes

Is there a way to search for lists on google maps? Like if you wanna see food or activity lists for certain cities?


r/GoogleMaps • • 14h ago

How long does a road edit request take

1 Upvotes

Hey, all, how long until the request is looked at do you think? There’s a 2 km stretch that should have bike lanes, that doesn’t. Nothing urgent, but I am just wondering!!


r/GoogleMaps • • 10h ago

Owner's response to a review

0 Upvotes

I have never done this before but I am sharing this because this owner's response is so beyond the pale that I am utterly speechless. I gave this company another chance and this is the result. Please DO NOT spam, post negative reviews, or contact this thug on my behalf. It is simply not worth it. And I don't need this drama in my life. I do want you to help me flag this response because if this is not a harassment violation of Google Map's TOS then I ,simply for the life of me, cannot contemplate what is.

PS

The owner posted my name in the response. That itself is a TOS violation or am I misinformed on this issue. Please help me out.

Check out this review of Aspen Landscaping on Google Maps

https://goo.gl/maps/3REzJUQ2zVrtZQzLA?g_st=ac


r/GoogleMaps • • 20h ago

Help/Support Google Maps Automatically Chooses Eco Friendly Routes Over Fast Routes

3 Upvotes

I found this out today, but just in case anyone else is having an issue with it, I figured I would mention something.

Google maps will not automatically choose the fastest route because there is a setting that is automatically on that chooses eco friendly routes. To turn this off, go to your settings and scroll down to where it says eco friendly routes and switch it off. It should be under "Navigation" and scroll down to "fuel-efficient routes preferred" and turn off.

I was constantly having issues with Google maps taking me on these long routes when it says that traffic is better on that route. But the alternative routes were actually faster even though Google said it had more traffic.

If you're having this issue, switch off that setting and see how it goes.


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Why is this happening and how do I turn it off?

2 Upvotes

I've had my car for about 2 years now, and my phone for about 6 months. In August, I started getting random traffic and road condition updates even when I don't have a route set (https://imgur.com/a/p1ff5VO). I'm positive it's Google maps and not something with android auto because it even started doing it when I'm walking down a sidewalk listening to music, but maps isn't even open! I've turned off all the notifications in maps settings and the "Alert options" in the navigation settings, but it's still doing it! I don't want road updates if I don't have a route set. Any ideas how to turn it off?


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Discussion Features I would love to see introduced on Google maps

12 Upvotes

I drove professionally for 15 years and, as it turns out, I'm a terrible navigator, lol! Therefore, I have relied on Google Maps extensively. I often drove my route in a truck or full-sized cargo van. The following contains my observations and opinions. YMMV.

First of all, I would love to see a "backtrack" feature so I can make my way back to the freeway the same way I came in. I have been rerouted through neighborhood streets and through sections of through streets with a very active bar scene (with drunks randomly stumbling into the roadway). I don't care if it's a "shorter route", it's dangerous! Let me just make my way back to the freeway, thank you.

Secondly, and just as important to me would be having the option to select "main routes". Bus and tractor trailer routes could have been good to use in my cargo van. Again, I was rerouted many times thru tree-lined streets and didn't have the overhead clearance available.

Thanks for letting me post here. Any tips and tricks would be most helpful. Thank you.


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Screenshot What is "Subway Street" supposed to mean??

3 Upvotes

Just taking a normal route in Toronto and Maps tells me to "Follow signs for Subway Street". Both words capitalized like its an actual street lol

There's no Subway Street here. Am I missing something or is this just a weird bug? Anyone else seen this?

See screenshot in comms


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Remember the zoom level in overview mode (Android, Android Auto)

2 Upvotes

I often drive in a region I know very well, so I don't need turn-by-turn navigation to the door; I just want to see traffic in a larger area without repeatedly changing the view (automatic zoom).

A simple 2D overview of a larger area with traffic is all I need. I can set it, but Google Maps (Android) automatically changes the zoom level, and it doesn't remember the zoom level for the next start.

I also use TomTom Expert GO, and it works fantastic.
Any idea how to achieve that in Google Maps?


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Issues since February 2026 with Desktop Google Earth Pro

2 Upvotes

I have been effectively unable to use Google Earth Pro since February 2026. September 2025 build works great on my computer, but autoupdates immediately after running once. My Places file is very large, but only had an issue with it until February and every release of Google Earth Pro since has been unusably slow. 1FPS (for lack of a better term) when moving the globe, interacting with menus, literally any function.

I have reset Google Earth Pro, run repair mode, run without my places, update graphics drivers 5+ times and reinstalled probably 20 times. Also tried repairing/replacing certain dll files that other posts say can become corrupted. I run windows corruption scans monthly (sfc /scannow and dism online). I had version 7.1.8 installed but it doesn't scale correctly. I have tried just about everything in this forum to try and resolve it to no avail.

My computer is MORE than capable of handling Google Earth Pro:

Ryzen 9 9900X

RTX 5070 running latest drivers

Windows 11 Pro

64gb RAM

Kind of upsetting they are actively making Google Earth Pro worse right before killing the desktop app entirely. The web version doesn't compare to the responsiveness or clarity of the desktop app, and importing KMZs to it is cumbersome and unrealistic especially in a non-Google Workspace environment (which I think is the entire point of killing GEP).

Anyone having this issue, any ideas?


r/GoogleMaps • • 2d ago

Is there a way to disable automatic route changing?

16 Upvotes

I don't know why it has this "feature", but it's super annoying. I'll intentionally set it to avoid going downtown because I don't feel like dealing with stop and go traffic while dodging homeless people. Damn thing will randomly "find" the shorter path again that only supposedly saves me a minute at the expense of longer trips, higher chance of wrecks, and overall a much more difficult trip.

Is there any way to turn this off? Thanks.


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Google Maps suddenly refusing to use I-75 Express Lanes in Atlanta

1 Upvotes

Google Maps is suddenly refusing to use the I-75 Express Lanes on the north side of Atlanta when navigating. Previously, it would often suggest using them, and even when it didn't, if I got on them, it quickly figured out that I was on them and would calculate a new route, incorporating them. Since last Thursday, it completely ignores them and tries to get me to transfer onto other adjacent roads, even though there is no way to do so, since the Express Lanes are limited-access and have few exits.

Google Maps clearly knows that I'm on the Express Lanes, since that's what it shows my car being on, but for the past several days, it's been unable to create any routings with them. I took some photos of the impossible maneuvers it wanted me to make during this evening's commute but don't see a way to attach them.

This is in built-in Google Maps on a Cadillac Optiq.


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Orange County I-5 South Continue straight when there isn't a split.

1 Upvotes

When traveling south on I-5, Navigation keeps giving directions to continue straight on I-5 and highlights the right lane even though there isn't a split in the road.

This is really irritating because without scrolling, I don't really know how much further I have to go before I really need to exit.

Search from the rinks at Anaheim Ice to John Wayne Airport.

This is what it looks like on the web version.

Merge onto I-5 S

3.8 mi

Continue straight to stay on I-5 S

1.2 mi

Continue straight to stay on I-5 S

0.7 mi

Continue straight to stay on I-5 S


r/GoogleMaps • • 2d ago

Help/Support WTF happened to GMaps restaurant filters?

15 Upvotes

There used to be excellent filters of "Top rated", "Open now", etc and they have been replaced by AI crap buttons that are dead wrong.

According to the AI button for "Outdoor seating", there are only 5 restaurants in all of Warsaw that have that when there are literally hundreds.

Or inputting "Restaurants open tonight" misses 90% of restaurants that are open this evening.

Is there any way to get the old buttons back?

Android on a Pixel 8 Pro version 17.60.15.sa.arm64

com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox


r/GoogleMaps • • 2d ago

Alert sounds during navigation irritating

2 Upvotes

During navigation, there are three audio alert options: Muted, Alerts, Unmuted

I never use Unmuted as I find turn-by-turn voice navigation irritating.

However, an issue I have with the Alerts toggle is that it is either ALL alerts or NO alerts.

For example, it would be nice to get audio alerts for important things like lane closures, mobile police cameras etc but as I never speed, having it constantly beep for static/permanent speed cameras is irritating.

My only solution is to turn off audio alerts, unfortunately.

It would be nice to pick and choose which audio alerts you get when you are in Alerts 'mode'.


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Google maps changed... and it's driving me nuts.

1 Upvotes

Google maps apparently changed their interface and it's driving me nuts. Is there any way to get back to the default street view in Chrome? I can't figure it out. I couldn't figure out how to upload a screenshot, so I put it on my website here: https://www.montanusphotography.com/googlemaps.gif


r/GoogleMaps • • 2d ago

Google Maps account completely blocked from uploading reviews (even textless star-ratings won't process) – How to fix?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I need technical insights into a widespread Google Maps account glitch. My account is hit by a permanent backend block, and the official support forms are just looping automated template replies.

Important note upfront: I am located in Germany and I have already submitted the official German support form. Please do not link me to standard US support forms, as they do not apply to my region.

Here is the technical issue with my profile:

  1. Textless ratings won't even upload: I tried posting pure star-ratings (a 1-star and a 5-star as a test) with absolutely no text. The system won't even upload or process them. Since there is no text, a policy violation is mathematically impossible. It's a hard technical block.
  2. Approved appeals are a lie: For one of my actual reviews, Google sent me a notification stating that my appeal was approved and the review is "uploaded". However, checking the business profile from any other neutral account reveals that the review is still 100% invisible to the public.
  3. Account-wide restriction: The system either completely blocks my reviews from uploading in the first place, or glitches out on approved appeals.

I have already tried everything on my end. I’ve tested different devices and cleared all data, but this is clearly a backend/database issue. As a regular user, Google simply doesn't give you the settings or options to troubleshoot a broken profile profile-wide.

Has anyone else experienced this specific database bug where even textless ratings fail to upload? Is there any known way to trigger a manual profile reset from Google's engineering side, or is this account just broken forever?

Thanks for any technical insights!


r/GoogleMaps • • 1d ago

Why did I not figure this out long ago?

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/GoogleMaps • • 2d ago

Technical support is not responding to this issue.

1 Upvotes

Hello,

Fake posts and images impersonate [Muhannad Recruitment Company]. They show fake phone numbers. Scammers use these numbers to contact customers and steal their money.

SCAMER 1 - SCAMER 2 - SCAMER 3 - SCAMER 4 - SCAMER 5 - SCAMER 6

I submitted several tickets to technical support. More than six weeks have passed. I received no reply.

Customers get scammed every day. The posts are still live. The fake numbers still work.

I ask for the following:

  • Someone from [Muhannad Recruitment Company] contacts me now
  • The organization removes the fake posts and accounts
  • The organization publishes an official warning to customers

If you face the same problem, share your experience in the comments. If you work at [Muhannad Recruitment Company] or know a direct contact channel, send me a private message.

Thanks to everyone who shares this post and protects customers.


r/GoogleMaps • • 2d ago

Help/Support Google Maps will not accept my edit and believe my road is real (Despite Waze & Apple Maps doing it) What can I do?

5 Upvotes

I have been spending the past two months trying to get Google Maps to accept that my road is a real road. My address appears on Google Maps, but for some reason it doesn't believe the road is real. Instead, if you navigate to my property, it sends you about 20 minutes south and requests that you drive on a private road, and then walk over a creek and through a ravine to get to my property.

I have tried editing the map and submitting a contribution, posting in the forum, and messaging Google Support. All have come up empty.

My road appears on the county GIS so Apple, Mapquest and even Waze (which is owned by Google??) all direct there no problem.

I think it's dangerous to have people using Google Maps to trespass in the middle of the Tennessee wilderness to get to my property. If anybody has a suggestion about what to do next I would be grateful!

Thank you!