Google Maps users were surprised to discover their data was missing. This was all caused by a technical issue on Google's part that led to some users' location history being deleted.
Why Did This Happen?
The reason remains unknown, and nobody knows how many people were affected. But this might be associated with new privacy options in Google Maps. Google automatically deletes Timeline data by default unless you change your settings.
Many users had no idea that Google Maps backups were off by default, which meant those people lost their data. Lost data cannot be recovered without a backup.
How To Restore Your Google Maps Timeline Data
If you had backups enabled, you can try these steps to restore your data:
Make sure that you get the latest version of Google Maps.
Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Select "Your Timeline."
Tap on a cloud icon to restore your backup.
Unfortunately, if backups are not enabled, the data cannot be recovered.
How To Prevent Future Data Loss
Enable Google Maps backups to keep Timeline history safe.
Open Google Maps and go to settings.
Tap the Location History option.
Back up data securely in the cloud by turning on backups.
When it is turned on, your location history will automatically be saved, avoiding data loss in case of future problems. Additionally, Google gives you the power to set auto-delete preferences and dictate how long your data lives.
You can check your settings regularly to make sure your Timeline history is always there when you need it.
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