One of the most popular features of Google Maps, Timeline, is about to get a lot more secure. To give you a quick refresher, Timeline acts as a kind of diary that keeps track of all the previous routes and trips you've taken. It's a fun way to relive memories.
Using this tool requires people to upload their data to the company's servers for storage. That will change later this year, however, as according to a recent email obtained by Android Police, Google will soon keep timeline data on your smartphone.
Migrating Maps data to localized device storage would greatly improve security, as you would no longer be forced to upload sensitive information to public servers. However, due to the upcoming change, Google has decided to remove Timeline for Web. Users have until December 1, 2024 to move everything from the online resource to their phone's storage drive. Failure to take action could result in the loss of valuable data, such as moments from your timeline.
“Google will attempt to transfer up to 90 days of timeline data to the first device you're signed in to” after the deadline. However, anything older than 90 days will be deleted and it is important to take note of the text. They will “try” to save as much as they can, meaning there is no guarantee that Google will migrate everything successfully if you miss the deadline. It is unknown why this is so, although we asked.
Set up the timeline
The company asks people to review Google Maps settings and choose which device will host their “saved tours and routes.” Your email offers a link to the app's settings menu, but if you didn't receive the message, you can navigate to Google Maps on your mobile device to make changes there. This is how we did it.
First, update Google Maps if you haven't already and then go to the Timeline section, where you will receive a notification informing you of upcoming changes.
Then click the Next button and a new window will appear asking you how long you want to keep your data. You can choose to store the information until you delete it or set up an automatic deletion feature. Users can have Google Maps delete their timeline after three, 18, or 36 months have passed.
Additionally, you can choose to back them up to Google servers. Android Police explains that this revamped system selects Maps Timelines for each device “independently.” So if you buy a new smartphone and want to restore your data, using the backup tool is the best way.
The interesting thing is that the timeline transfer is a one-way street. Google states on a Maps help page that once the data is transferred to your smartphone, you can't go back to the previous method. We experienced this firsthand because we couldn't find a way to upload data to the company's servers outside of the backup function after locating the storage.
Don't worry if you haven't received the email or Google Map patch yet. Android Police says the company is rolling out the changes slowly. Be sure to keep an eye out for either one.
While we ask you to check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones for 2024.
