While the main function of Google Maps is to help you navigate your environment with ease, it also keeps track of the places you’ve visited. All this information is available by checking the Google My Activity page and viewing your Location History. You’ll be surprised how useful it can be to have access to this data. This guide details how to manage your Google Maps Location History and how to make use of the information it tracks.
Good to know: learn how to drop pins in Google Maps.
Enabling Location History in Google Maps
To unlock the many possibilities of Location History in Google Maps, you must first ensure the option is enabled. Here’s how to check.
PC
Visit My Google Activity in your desktop browser, and log in to your Google account. Click on the Location History card in the middle.
Enable Location History by clicking the Turn On button. If it is already enabled, that means you’ve previously activated it.
Click Turn On again in the pop-up.
When you enable this feature, Google Maps will track and save where you go with your device, even when you’re not using a specific Google service.
Mobile
Open the Google Maps app, and tap your profile picture in the search bar.
Tap Settings from the many options shown on the screen.
Swipe down the page, and select Personal content.
Tap on the Location History is off option.
If you’re using multiple Google accounts on your device, select the one for which you wish to turn Location History on.
Finally, press the Turn on button on the next screen.
Tip: get up to speed with these Google Maps alternatives if you want to step away from Google’s products.
Although there may be valid privacy concerns associated with enabling your Location History, this feature can provide many useful insights, as outlined below.
1. Check Places You Visited
You can use Location History to access an overview of all your past trips. You’ll be able to quickly scroll through your timeline and see all the places you’ve been to.
PC
On the My Google Activity page, click Location History, then click Manage History at the bottom of the page.
Go to the Timeline section located in the upper-left corner of the screen, and input the specifics: the year, month, and day you want to revisit.
This will show the places you visited on that date as dots on the map. You’ll also be able to view more information regarding the places you were at the bottom of the screen displayed as highlights.
If your goal is to recall a location you previously visited (it can be a restaurant, for example), try and remember the month when you were there. Set the date, and you should find the location among the cards at the bottom.
If you click the card, Google will display the details of your outing on that specific occasion. Scroll through the details on the left until you find the location in question. Click the three dots next to it, and select Place details. This will open a new page in Google Maps with complete details for that particular location.
If you remember a stop you made during the trip that Google failed to log, click the Add a place button.
Mobile
In the Google Maps app, press on your profile picture in the upper right, and select Your Timeline from the menu.
Switch to Places to view all the locations you’ve visited in the past. These will show up on the map, and you can zoom in on them.
Unlike on desktop, the places are also displayed by categories, such as Shopping, Attractions, etc., which makes it easier to identify a specific spot.
Tip: you can improve Google Maps by using it in combination with these sites and extensions.
2. View Your Recently Visited Places and Trips
By turning on your location history on Google Maps, you can easily and accurately recall the most recent places you visited.
PC
In Google Maps, click on Timeline at the top. Click the red card at the bottom, highlighting the number of places you’ve visited.
More information will become available. On the right, you can view your Most visited places. On the left, check All the places you’ve been, which shows the places most recently visited first. (You may have to scroll to the right to find this section.)
Clicking on one of these places will transport you directly to its location on the map.
You can also take a stroll down memory lane, and review your past trips by clicking More trips. Select the month during which the trip took place, then select the specific one from the cards at the bottom.
You can retrace your whereabouts each day, check the landmarks you visited, and more.
Mobile
In your Timeline in Google Maps, switch to Places.
Tap on Sort by, and select Most recent.
Swipe all the way to the bottom, and tap on View all visited places.
The most recent places you’ve been to will be at the top.
If you’ve been on any trips lately, you can switch to the Trips tab, and recheck things like places visited, itineraries and additional details.
3. Manage Your “Saved Places”
If you previously saved places for later reference, view them in one place from the Google Timeline screen.
PC
Click the gear-shaped settings icon located just above the timeline.
Click Manage your personal spaces.
You can see all the places you visited and also check your list of saved locations. For instance, if you need an idea of where to have your weekly book club, check your Favorites list for suggestions.
Mobile
To view your saved lists on mobile, just tap on Saved at the bottom of the Google Maps app.
You can also quickly access your Timeline from there, as well as your Trips, Places and more.
Good to know: learn how to draw a radius in Google Maps.
4. Email Your Trip Highlights
Google Maps is an incredible tool for navigating the world and exploring new places. With Location History enabled, you can set up email updates so that your most recent trips are automatically documented in a fun way.
PC
To set up email updates, click the gear-shaped settings icon above the timeline, and select Timeline Settings.
Check the option for Timeline emails in the pop-up to get emails summarizing your recent adventures.
Checking the first option will enable you to see all the photos and videos that were taken during a specific trip. Once you’ve made your choice, click Save.
Mobile
On mobile, go back to Timeline, and tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner. Select Settings and privacy.
Ensure the toggle next to Timeline emails is activated, and enable the one next to Google Photos if desired.
FYI: Google Maps can show you the speed limit. Learn how in this tutorial.
Google Maps is not only available on Android devices – it’s also available on iPhones. However, if you prefer to use your iOS device’s proprietary Maps app, you may find it helpful to read about reporting incidents on Apple Maps. Additionally, learn how to drop a pin in Apple Maps.
Image source: Pexels. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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