Google confirmed it accidentally erased Timeline location histories for some Maps users this week, with only those who enabled encrypted cloud backups able to retrieve missing data. Affected users reported the issue on Reddit before Google acknowledged the error.
A spokesperson told The Verge the data loss stemmed from a “brief technical issue.” Genevieve Park’s emailed statement clarified: “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.”
Android Authority spotted Reddit users sharing recovery steps sent by Google via email. To check backup status:
- Instructions: Tap your profile icon in the Google Maps app, select “Your timeline,” and look for a cloud icon. An arrow inside means backups are active; a slashed icon indicates they’re off. Tapping the icon toggles the setting.
The incident highlights risks tied to Google’s 2024 shift to on-device Timeline storage—a privacy-focused move that leaves data vulnerable if backups aren’t enabled. While users can export location history as files, Google provides no method to reimport this data without relying on its cloud servers.
