Save Google Maps Timeline

Google recently started migrating users from its cloud-based Timeline to a new on-device system. Unfortunately, many users have lost years of location history data in this process. This is a place to collect stories, raise awareness, and encourage Google to address the issue for those affected.

Help us recover lost Timeline data and raise awareness about the issue.

Click on the expandable section headers below to view detailed instructions and resources.

What Happened?

Over the past few months, many longtime Google Maps users have discovered that their Timeline data, representing over a decade of personal location history in many cases, has disappeared without warning. This data wasn’t just a collection of GPS points; for countless people, it was a deeply personal archive documenting holidays, road trips, favorite restaurants, and precious moments shared with loved ones.

The root cause appears to be Google’s transition from its cloud-based Timeline system to a new on-device location history feature. While this shift was intended to enhance privacy, the rollout has been riddled with missteps and poor communication, leaving many users frustrated, heartbroken, and searching for answers.

What Went Wrong?

Google’s execution of this transition has created numerous issues that have resulted in devastating data loss for users. These include:

  • Poor Communication: Many users received no clear notification about the changes to Timeline or what they needed to do to preserve their data. Some never got an email, push notification, or any warning about the transition.
  • Uneven Rollout: The process has been inconsistent. Some users’ data has already been deleted, while others have been given until June 2025 to migrate their data. There seems to be no explanation for why timelines differ so drastically between users.
  • Unintended Changes to Settings: For many, the transition automatically enabled an “auto-delete after 3 months” setting, regardless of their previous configuration. This is the shortest possible retention period, meaning years of history were erased almost immediately, even for users who had explicitly turned auto-delete off in the past.

Google’s failure to align migration policies, provide clear guidance, or respect previous settings has left many users devastated. A process that should have been seamless and respectful of users’ data instead feels rushed and haphazard.

Why This Matters

Google Maps Timeline was more than a convenience for many users, it was a tool for preserving cherished memories and life experiences. The sudden loss of this data has left countless people feeling betrayed and powerless. For users who relied on Timeline to revisit special moments, track significant journeys, or even resolve disputes, the impact has been profound.

What makes this even harder to accept is that Google appears to have the ability to do this transition better. Some users have received a clear prompt to migrate their data and have until mid-2025 to act. But for those who weren’t given this opportunity, or who had settings like auto-delete forcibly enabled, this transition feels unnecessarily destructive.

Why Google Needs to Act

As a company that built its reputation on trust and user satisfaction, Google has an obligation to address these issues and provide a solution for the loyal users who have been affected. Specifically, we are asking Google to:

  • Investigate Data Recovery: Determine whether lost Timeline data can be retrieved, whether through backups or other means.
  • Restore Previous Settings: Automatically revert auto-delete settings to their original state for users impacted by the transition.
  • Provide Clear Communication: Ensure that all users are fully informed of changes to features like Timeline and are given sufficient time to take action.
  • Offer Tools for Preservation: Create or enhance tools for exporting and preserving Timeline data, ensuring users can retain control of their location history.

Google’s users deserve better. This isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a matter of trust and accountability. We believe addressing this issue would not only restore trust among affected users but also demonstrate Google’s continued commitment to its community.

How to Protect Yourself Moving Forward

For those who still have access to their Timeline data or want to avoid future losses, here are some important steps to take:

  • Export Your Data: If you haven't transitioned to the new Timeline yet, use Google Takeout to download your location history for safe storage prior to migrating your account.
  • Update Google Maps: Ensure your app is updated to the latest version to access backup and device transfer features.
  • Review Timeline Settings: Make sure auto-delete is turned off if you want to retain your location history for the long term.
  • Enable Backups: Use Google’s backup features to store encrypted copies of your data or manage backups manually.

If you’ve been affected by this issue, your voice matters. By taking action, sharing your story, and raising awareness, we can push Google to investigate and, hopefully, restore the lost Timeline data. Here’s how you can help:

1. Share Your Story

Sharing your story is one of the most powerful ways to raise awareness and show how widespread this issue is. Here are some ways to share:

2. Contact Google Directly

Contacting Google directly is essential to show how significant this issue is. Here’s how you can reach out:

  • Google Maps Community Support: Share your concern in the Community Support Forums.

    While some product experts may not offer solutions, remain polite and request that your feedback be forwarded to the Maps team. As difficult as it may be, please keep your communication respectful, even if met with unhelpful responses. Every post in the community forum adds to the collective voice, showing Google the scale of this issue and the need for action.

  • Send a Letter: Write a physical letter to Google’s headquarters:
    Google LLC
    1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
    Mountain View, CA 94043

    Explain your experience, and ask them to investigate whether the lost data can be recovered. This may seem like a small step, but Google does notice these letters. If enough users take action, it can demonstrate the scope of the issue and encourage them to respond.

  • Submit Feedback in the Maps App: Use the built-in feedback tool in Google Maps to report your issue. Learn how to submit feedback here.

While this process can be frustrating, remember to keep all communication civil and respectful, even if the responses you receive aren’t helpful. Polite and professional communication increases the likelihood that your feedback will reach the right team.

3. Share Links to Your Public Posts

If you’ve already posted about your experience online, submit your links on our website! Whether it’s a tweet, Reddit comment, or a social media post, every story helps us demonstrate how widespread this issue is. Paste your links in the “Share Links” section, and we’ll include them in our database of public posts.

4. Raise Awareness

The more people who know about this issue, the more pressure we can place on Google to act. Encourage your friends, family, and networks to share their stories if they’ve been affected. Together, we can build a strong, unified voice.

If you do not consent to share your story, your entry will be included as part of the total count only.

Lost data, but don't want to share a story? Let us know!

Note, if you've submitted a story, you're already included in the count and do not need to submit this form