Google Maps users have been in an uproar.  They have been discussing that their Timeline data has vanished.  This is the app’s historical record of where they’ve been.  Now, Google has admitted that it accidentally deleted this data.  There is a catch.  If you weren’t using Google’s cloud backups, you’re out of luck.

The issue started with users reporting on Reddit that their Timeline data had disappeared.  Google confirmed the problem.  A Google spokesperson, Genevieve Park, sent an email.  It said that a technical issue caused the deletion of Timeline data for some users.  Nearly everyone with encrypted Timeline backups will be able to restore their data.  Unfortunately, those who did not have backups enabled will not be able to recover lost data.

Google Maps is making changes.  Last summer, Google warned users that it was switching to on-device storage for Google Maps location data.  This means you can keep track of your Maps location history without having it tracked on Google’s servers.  This is great for privacy.  However, it comes with the risk of it abruptly vanishing.  This is exactly what happened with Google’s “technical issue. ”

Users reported getting a similar statement in an email from Google.  It included instructions for recovering the data.  This is for those who’d turned on the app’s cloud backup feature.  To check if it’s on for you, tap your user icon in the iOS or Android Google Maps app.  Then, tap “Your timeline. ”  Look for a cloud icon.  It will have either an arrow inside of it (on) or a line through it (off).  You can tap the icon to change your backup settings.

Google Maps lets you export location history data to a file.  However, Google’s instructions for recovering Timeline data include no obvious way to reimport the data.  This doesn’t involve the cloud backup servers.  This is a problem.  It shows that Google needs to improve its data recovery process.

Google Maps Timeline Data Vanishes: What Happened?

Actions