How to Save Your Google Maps Timeline Data to Your Phone

The original name of Google Maps' Timeline feature was "Location History."

Google has announced a significant change in the way it handles the storage of Timeline data. Previously, Timeline data was tied to a user's Google Account and was stored in the cloud, allowing users to access their data from any device they were signed into. However, as part of Google's efforts to enhance privacy, Timeline data will now be stored locally on the user's device.

This shift means that each device will generate its own Timeline data, which will not be sent to the cloud. Consequently, if a user has multiple devices, the Timeline data will not be synced across them. Moreover, Google will no longer display any Timeline data on the web as all data will be locked to users' devices.

This change also impacts the preservation of past Timeline data. If users do not take action, their past Timeline data may be deleted. Google has mentioned that it will "try" to save the last 90 days of Timeline data from the first device a user logs into with their Google Accounts after December 1, 2024. However, any data older than that will be erased.

To preserve their Timeline data, users need to update the Google Maps app on the device they want to save the data to. Users will receive a prompt via push notification, email, or in-app notification. Following the instructions and tapping 'Done' will save the data to that specific device. Users are encouraged to do this before the deadline of December 1, 2024, and also consider backing up their Timeline data, especially if they plan to switch devices in the future.