Anyone who uses Google Maps regularly should check their Gmail inbox immediately.
Google has issued an emergency alert and you would be wise to check your Gmail inbox for an important message from the US tech giant. The alert is related to major upcoming changes to the popular Google Maps service, and those who do not act quickly will be warned of the risk of losing their data.
Google says it's changing its approach: Its Timeline feature will move from a cloud-based system, where information is stored off-device, to a local system, meaning all data will remain on the user's device.
For those unfamiliar, Timeline is a feature that records where you've been, allowing you to accurately track your routes once your trip is complete.
This can be useful if you've visited a place, such as a restaurant, store, or park, and can't remember where exactly you were.
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Currently, all data captured by the Maps app is instantly uploaded to cloud servers. This may seem alarming, but it allows users to access this information from other devices and log in over the Internet.
However, starting June 9, 2025, Google will stop working with Timeline in its current form and, as we mentioned, is moving it from a cloud service to a system that will record data directly on your device.
To ensure users can continue using the service, Google encourages them to check their devices and make sure Timeline is enabled, otherwise all data will be lost.
In a Gmail message seen by Mirror Online, Google said: “Your account has Timeline enabled to help you remember where you've been. With Timeline, your visits and routes are automatically saved on a map on each of your devices.”
“This is a reminder that Timeline is changing. Now, if you choose to keep Timeline enabled, all your devices will save new visits to their own Timeline, including any devices that previously had location history disabled. Due to these changes, you will need to adjust your new settings to avoid losing your Timeline data.”
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So what should you do next?
For this useful feature to work, all devices must have the latest version of the Google Maps app installed.
Then log into your Google account and check that Timeline is enabled. Those who want to save their saved routes and visits can do so by clicking on the link provided in the message.
“If you take no action, your visits and routes will be deleted and your timeline settings will be disabled,” Google confirmed.
Why are these changes being made?
While Google hasn't said it directly, it's possible that Google Maps Timeline is being changed to better take user privacy into account. So if you want these features to continue working, check your inbox and follow Google's guidelines.
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
