Google Admits Error: Google Maps Timeline Data Users Deleted Accidentally

Google Maps Timeline is deleted for some users. (photo: dock. google)

JAKARTA Google recently confirmed that there was a technical error that caused the Google Maps Timeline data loss for some users. In a statement Google said that users who have encrypted backups can still recover their data. But for those who don't have backups, the data cannot be returned.

A number of users reported receiving emails from Google that read as follows:

"We're having a technical problem that causes Timeline data deletion for some people. If you have encrypted backups, you might be able to recover that data. Make sure you're using the latest version of Google Maps, then go to Timeline, tap the cloud icon () at the top of the screen, and select a backup to import your data. If you don't have a backup, unfortunately the data can't be returned."

A number of users who received this email managed to recover their data from the backup, but others only got data from the last few weeks or were unable to access it at all.

This problem arose after Google moved Timeline data storage from the cloud to the user's device. In recent weeks, many users have complained that their Timeline was suddenly empty, and now Google has finally confirmed an accidental deletion of data.

How to Avoid Data Loss in the Future? Since the Timeline backup feature is not enabled by default, users are advised to immediately activate backup with the following steps:

Make sure Google Maps is updated to the latest version

Open Google Maps > Timeline > Tap the cloud icon ()

Enable automatic backups to save location history to the cloud

This problem is a huge blow to users who rely on Timeline to track their travel history. Google itself states that they are improving the system so that similar incidents don't happen again in the future.