How to Conceal Your Location in Google Maps History

Let’s face it: Opening the Google Maps app in public can be a bit uncomfortable. It reveals a detailed list of places you’ve visited, which can easily be seen by those around you.

It can feel unsettling to realize that Google Maps keeps a record of all your past locations through its ‘Timeline’ feature. If you value your privacy, you might want to hide your location history in Google Maps. Here’s how you can do that.

1. Activate Incognito Mode in Google Maps
The simplest way to prevent Google Maps from tracking your location history is by using Incognito Mode. This feature ensures that your browsing and search history are not saved to your account.

– Open the Google Maps app on your device.
– Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
– From the menu, select Turn on Incognito mode.
– A prompt will appear about Incognito Mode; just tap Close.
– To exit Incognito Mode, tap your profile picture again and choose Turn Off Incognito Mode.

2. Remove Your Location History from the Timeline
If you prefer not to have your location history displayed in Google Maps, you can delete your existing data. Here’s how:

– Launch the Google Maps app on your phone.
– Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
– Select Your Timeline from the menu.
– Tap the three dots in the top right corner and choose Location & privacy settings.
– Scroll down to find the following options:
– Delete all Timeline Data
– Delete Range of Timeline Data
– Auto-Delete Timeline
– Choose the option that suits you best, and you can also set up the Auto-Delete feature.

3. Turn Off Web & App Activity
The Web & App Activity feature saves your activity across Google sites and apps. Disabling this feature can help prevent your location history from being recorded. Here’s how to do it:

– Open the Settings app on your device.
– Scroll down and tap on Google.
– Tap on Manage your Google Account.
– Switch to the Data and Privacy tab.
– Find the drop-down next to Web & App Activity and select Turn Off.

Once you do this, Google Maps will no longer save the locations you visit or update your timeline data.

These straightforward methods can help you safeguard your location data while using Google Maps on Android. Learn More