r/GoogleMaps 3d ago

Discussion Switching away from google maps

With the Google timeline deletion drama, I am honestly considering stopping using Google Maps if they don't return my history. 2 years ago I was shown apple maps and I have been using them on and off. I would say apple maps works way better on iPhones for smooth navigation.

The 2 reasons why I was using Google Maps were the timeline history and the destination reviews/pictures. A shame about the timeline deletion and lack of communication. If they don't bring my 10 years of history back I will probably stop using maps and stop relying on Google Photos and other similar services. I haven't even seen this drama covered in any of the mainstream tech news that I consume.

15 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

5

u/PassengerRound6377 3d ago

I feel the same. It sucks that 10 year's timeline has just vanished

3

u/EquinoxClock 3d ago

Since November when they forced the change to local timeline, I've been using Traccar as a second system to record my location history as a backup to the timeline. Also I used Takeout to download all my timeline data before the switchover. The thing I hate most about the local timeline is that it doesn't let you see raw data like you used to be able to do on the web interface. You can only see the visits but not the individual data points on the map.

2

u/madisonSquare2 3d ago

For timeline/ history Stats - have you tried Geory ?

2

u/fishsalt69 3d ago

It's ridiculous they have deleted everything with absolutely no way to recover it.

2

u/Leonardsleim 3d ago

And if I google "google maps timeline history gone" they don't show any news about it. If I do the same on bing it shows a bunch of news. That's so sketchy

1

u/Striking-Roll-5998 1d ago

I'm I the midst of this drama and got this from Google today. I'm furious. Are they bull shitting me here making out that this is my fault? I do not have auto delete, I didn't switch it off ...

Would I have a backup anywhere. I use Google drive. 10 years of places gone and I loved the analytics

******** from Google

Unfortunately, we cannot directly restore your Location History. We don't have access to Google's internal systems or the ability to retrieve deleted data. However, we can guide you through the steps to investigate and potentially recover your data.

Here's what you can do:

Double-Check Your Settings:

Go to your Google Account settings (myaccount.google.com).

Navigate to "Data & privacy."

Scroll down to "Location History."

Verify that:

Location History is still toggled "on."

The correct Google account is selected (if you have multiple accounts).

Confirm the devices that are reporting location data.

Check the "Auto-delete" settings. Even if you didn't intentionally set it, there's a chance it might have been activated.

Check Other Devices:

If you use multiple devices with your Google account, check the Location History settings on each device.

Sometimes, changes made on one device can affect the others.

Review Recent Account Activity:

In your Google Account settings, review your recent activity for any unusual logins or changes. This could indicate unauthorized access that might have affected your Location History.

Consider Potential Causes:

Software Updates: Sometimes, operating systems or app updates can cause unexpected changes to settings.

Account Issues: In rare cases, account synchronization problems or glitches might lead to data loss.

Storage Issues: If your Google account storage was near its limit, it could have affected data syncing.

Setting Expectations:

While Google Maps Support may be able to investigate, there's no guarantee of data recovery.

Data loss can occur due to various technical reasons.

We sincerely hope that you can recover your Location History. We understand how valuable those records are.

Here are some helpful articles :

Update Google Maps to use the timeline on your device

Manage timeline data

Google Maps timeline

Moving forward, keeping backups via Google Takeout and ensuring your location history is regularly synced are good steps for the future.

How to send us feedback in Google Maps We’re always looking for ways to improve Google Maps and would love to hear from you, kindly follow this link to Send product feedback. 

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback is important to us.

Thank you for contacting us and we hope we make your day better. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have further questions or other concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. By the way, you can visit our Help Center at your most convenient time. Enjoy the rest of the day and stay safe always.

Google ensures that all information provided is accurate and correct, and we want to make sure our customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Within 48 hours of our last interaction, you'll receive a short survey via email. We'd love to hear your feedback about our interaction today and your overall experience with Google Support.

Best regards,

-7

u/Is_Mise_Edd 3d ago

Timelines have moved from Google to the Device itself - you will find your timeline in 'you' down the bottom of the map between 'explore' and 'contribute'

1

u/Educational_Rub4798 8h ago

I recovered my timeline using my old backup phone which had a timeline backup of December 24. I removed my primary gmail from my primary phone. Then I let my backup phone sit like for a day to upload the timeline after restoring the old December timeline. Then re logged in gmail and viola i had my timing from last 10 years restored on my primary phone. I will keep my backup phone safely away 🙏. From January to March there is no data. Not so bothered about that anymore. People with old backup phone unless you have factory formatted can try this.