Did Google Maps delete your Timeline data? How to restore it.
Some users just had their timeline data wiped from Google Maps.
The company told Mashable in a statement that it "briefly experienced a technical issue that caused the deletion of Timeline data for some people." It's unclear how many users were affected.
"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 wrote in its statement. Timeline services have since been restored.
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Timeline data is helpful if you want to, say, return to an old location from earlier this week but don't remember the address or want to take a similar route but don't remember the exact turns. As Google said, if you had your backup turned on, you'd be able to restore your data pretty easily, but it's turned off by default.
You'll need to make sure Google Maps is updated to the latest version. Then, navigate to your profile and click "Your Timeline." Then tap the cloud icon and choose backup, which will import your data.
If you didn't have your backup turned on, it looks like that data is gone forever — and Google won't be able to retrieve it for you.
Topics Google
Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.
Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.
