- Google Maps is sunsetting web access for its Timeline feature that allows users to view their location history.
- The company is switching to an on-device approach that is more private and works on each phone independently.
- After transitioning, users will be able to back up and restore their Timeline data to avoid losing it when switching devices.
For years, Google Maps has allowed users to track the locations they visit using its Timeline feature. The option works in the background and keeps track of users’ movement at all times. Those who opted in can view their location history on the web and in the Google Maps app. To keep users’ sensitive location data more private and secure, Google Maps will sunset web access for its Timeline feature in the coming months.
As per an Android Police report, Google Maps has started emailing users about changes coming to the Timeline feature. The company plans to sunset web access and switch to a more private, on-device approach. This would make Google Maps’ Timeline data unique to each connected phone — as the migration would deactivate the universal sync mechanism.