Google Introduces Device-Specific Timeline Backups: Here’s What You Should Know

Google announced last year that it would revamp how location history is stored in Maps. Users were informed via a blog post that they could either store their Timeline locally on their devices or back up an encrypted version to the cloud.

Although this update hasn't reached all users yet, Google has begun sending email notifications urging users to act before their location history is deleted. It's worth noting that the deletion deadlines may vary for different users.

This change allows users to save their location data offline, offering increased privacy for those who prefer not to share data with Google. However, Google will delete the past three months of Timeline data if no action is taken. Once cleared, new location history will only be stored locally.

Steps to Preserve Your Google Maps Timeline
Google's email includes a link that lets users decide whether to keep Timeline data indefinitely, delete it automatically after three months, or remove it manually. However, Android Authority reports that even users selecting the "Keep until you delete" option have experienced data loss. To avoid this, exporting your Timeline data through Google Takeout is advisable.

Here’s how to export your data:

• Visit takeout.google.com.
• Deselect all options except Location History (Timeline).
• Click Next Step and select Create Export to back up your data.

Google is reportedly developing a feature to allow Timeline exports directly from individual devices. To access this:

• Open your phone's Settings app.
• Navigate to Location > Location services > Timeline.
• Use the export option to save device-specific location history.
• Do note, however, that this feature seems to apply to each device separately.