Google Maps users can disable Timeline or automate location-history deletion

Google Maps users can disable the app’s Timeline feature, delete existing location activity or limit how long that data is retained, according to Engadget.

Timeline records places a user has visited and can be useful for recalling past locations. Users can choose to turn off the feature while keeping existing data, or turn it off and delete historical activity.

An auto-delete setting allows activity older than three, 18 or 36 months to be removed. Engadget also reports that users can delete selected date ranges, edit individual days and export Timeline data.

Users can manage an encrypted backup of Timeline data through the app. Engadget says Google has shifted Timeline storage from the cloud to the device unless a user manually enables a backup.

The settings are device-specific, meaning they may need to be changed separately on each phone or tablet using Google Maps. Disabling Timeline should not be taken as confirmation that all Google location collection or tracking has stopped.