Location History is a Google Account setting that creates Timeline, a personal map that helps you remember places you've been, and routes and trips you've taken, where:
- You’re signed in to your Google Account
- You have turned on Location History, and
- The device has Location Reporting on
Location History is off by default for your Google Account and can only be turned on if you opt in.
How Location History works
Location History can give you more personalized experiences across Google, such as place recommendations, based on where you've been. When you turn on Location History, your precise device location is regularly saved to your devices and Google's servers, even when Google apps aren't being used.
To make Google experiences helpful for everyone, your data can also be used to:
- Show info, such as popular times and environmental insights, based on anonymized location data.
- Detect and prevent fraud and abuse.
- Improve and develop Google services, including ads products.
- Help nearby businesses estimate the likelihood that people visit their stores because of an ad, if you turn on Web & App Activity. Only anonymous estimates, not your personal info, are shared with businesses.
Tip: Precise location means exactly where you are, such as a particular address or street.
Your location can be determined by:
- Your device location
- Your labeled places
- Your Location History
- Your previous activity across Google products
- The IP address of your internet connection, which is a requirement to use the internet
- Your WiFi
Important: Most of these sources of location can be controlled using either your device's permissions, your account preferences, or other settings. Learn more below about how your choices affect your privacy and location.
You keep your Location History until you delete it.
You can always review your Location History or change how long you keep it by visiting My Google Activity or your Timeline.
How we protect your Location History
To keep your activity private:
- Your Google Account has built-in security that detects and blocks spam, malware, viruses, and hackers.
- Your activity is stored securely, with industry-leading encryption.
- We do not sell your personal information to anyone.
You’re in control
Location History is off by default for your Google Account and can only be turned on if you opt in.
You'll keep your Location History until you delete it. You can turn off or delete all, or only parts of, your Location History for your account at any time by visiting My Google Activity or your Timeline.