Before you start
- Google Maps on your phone
- Your Google account
Method 1 Turn off Timeline in Google Maps
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Step 1: Open Your Timeline
Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture > Your Timeline.
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Step 2: Open settings
Tap ⋯ (More) > Location & privacy settings.
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Step 3: Turn it off
Tap Timeline is on and choose Turn off, or Turn off and delete activity to also erase what’s saved.
Method 2 Delete or auto-delete Timeline data
Timeline is stored on each device, so changes on one phone don’t apply to another. Check every device where you use Google Maps.
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Step 1: Delete everything
In Location & privacy settings, tap Delete all Timeline data.
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Step 2: Delete a range or day
Use Delete range of Timeline data, or open a day and tap ⋯ > Delete day.
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Step 3: Auto-delete
If you keep Timeline on, set Auto-delete to 3 months.
Method 3 Control other location data
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Step 1: Web & App Activity
At myactivity.google.com, Web & App Activity can save locations from searches and Maps use. Turn it off or set Auto-delete.
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Step 2: App permissions
Android: Settings > Location > App location permissions. iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Set apps to Only while using or Don’t allow.
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Step 3: Device location
Turning off location entirely stops all location features, including Find Hub and Maps navigation.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see Your Timeline
Update Google Maps. Timeline may never have been turned on for your account, in which case nothing is saved.
Locations still appear in My Activity
Those come from Web & App Activity, not Timeline. Delete them at myactivity.google.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use Google Maps navigation?
Yes. Navigation works without Timeline.
Is Timeline backed up?
You can choose encrypted backup in Timeline settings. Without it, data stays only on the phone.
Summary
In Google Maps > Your Timeline > Location & privacy settings, turn Timeline off and delete it. Then pause or auto-delete Web & App Activity and limit apps’ location permissions.
