GoKawiilGoogle Maps offers step-by-step controls to disable and delete Timeline location history
Google allows users to turn off Timeline, its location-history feature in Google Maps, through device-specific settings rather than a single global switch. Users can choose to simply pause tracking, delete all past data, or set auto-delete rules for activity older than three, 18, or 36 months. The app also provides options to export Timeline data or back it up in encrypted form to a Google account.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Location history is one of the most sensitive types of personal data Google collects, revealing patterns about where users live, work and travel. Because the settings must be adjusted separately on each device, many users may mistakenly believe they've disabled tracking everywhere when it's still active elsewhere, underscoring the need for clearer, unified privacy controls.
- Turning off Google Maps Timeline must be done per device, not just via My Activity.
- Users can delete existing data entirely or just stop future tracking.
- Auto-delete options and encrypted backups give more granular control over stored location history.
Source: engadget.com — Deven Mcclure, 2026-09-21
Published there as: “How to turn off your Google location history”
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