Google is changing things up, and it’s worth checking your Gmail email account for an urgent message from the US technology giant if you don’t want some of your data to be deleted. The company has issued the reminder to those who use Google Maps and the useful Timeline service. This feature – which has been turned on by default for years – remembers where you have been so you can track your steps after you’ve made a journey.
When signed into a Google account and with location services switched on, Maps records not only every search you make but also literally where you – and your phone – have travelled.
That can be handy if you went somewhere last year and can’t remember exactly where it was.
Right now, all of the data the Maps app records is instantly sent to cloud servers, which then lets users view the locations from other devices, including the web.
However, as of 9 June 2025, Google is shutting down Timeline in its current state and moving it from being a cloud-based service to something that instead records on your device.
Because of this change, Google is now urging users to check their devices and make sure Timeline is switched on – otherwise, all data will be lost.
In a Gmail message seen by Express.co.uk, Google said: “You have Timeline turned on for your account, which helps you go back in time and remember where you’ve been. With Timeline, your visits and routes are automatically saved to a map on each of your devices.
“This is a reminder that Timeline is changing. Now, if you choose to keep Timeline on, all of your devices will save new visits on their own Timelines — including any devices that previously had Location History reporting turned off. Because of these changes, you need to choose new settings to avoid losing Timeline data.”
To make sure you keep this useful feature working, you must first make sure you have the latest Google Maps app installed on all devices.
Then head to your Google account and check that Timeline in switched on. Those wanting to keep saved routes and visits can choose to do so by following the link embedded in the message.
Google warns that doing nothing will see any stored data deleted from accounts.
“If you take no action, your visits and routes will be deleted, and your Timeline settings will be turned off.”
Though the firm hasn’t said outright, it might be changing Google Maps Timeline to better respect user privacy. So, if you want to keep those features running, check your inbox and follow Google’s advice.