We all use Google Maps quite frequently and without any doubt, it has proved to be helpful. But what we should be aware of is that Google stores your location and the location history. The company holds information about users indefinitely.
If you are not really comfortable with Google storing this information about you, you have an option to delete it. As promised earlier, users can now control the settings and choose if they want to keep this location history saved, and for how long exactly.
This feature is known as Auto delete location history and here’s a step by step guide on how to use it to your best advantage.
Table of Contents
How to auto-delete location history on Google Maps
Step 1: Open Google Maps and tap on the menu icon at the top left corner
Step 2: Go to “Your timeline”
Step 3: Tap on the top right corner icon with three dots
Step 4: Tap “Settings and privacy”
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on “Automatically delete Location History”
Step 6: Three options will pop up on your screen — Keep until I delete manually, Keep for 18 months and Keep for 3 months, choose as per your wish
Step 7: Tap “Next”
Step 8: It will ask you for confirmation, tap on confirm and you are good to go!
Alternative options ofGoogle Maps
Although there is still no option to delete this history immediately, and it will be there for three months at least, this is at least a good start to protecting your privacy.
But in the case that you would like to turn Location History off altogether, the option is available to you at any time.
If you use a work or school account, your administrator needs to make this setting available for you. If they do, you’ll be able to use Location History like any other user.
