How to stop Google from tracking your location history

If you are using any google apps, Google stores your location information everywhere you go.

Google says the purpose of storing the location history is to “create a private map of where you go with your signed-in devices even when you aren’t using a specific Google service.”

It clarifies that the “map is only visible to you.” And the data helps provide “improved map searches and commute routes, as well as helping you to rediscover the places you’ve been and the routes you’ve traveled.”

Here is how you can stop Google from tracking your location history;

  • First, go to google.com/privacycheckup. This is a good page to bookmark, since it gives you granular control over lots of privacy settings.
  • Next, scroll down to “Location History” and choose “Manage Location History.”
  • This is where you’ll see everywhere you’ve been. It’s a freaky level of detail.
  • Tap “Manage Location History” at the bottom of the screen again.
  • Toggle the button to turn off Location History.

To delete your history, do this:

  • Tap the settings button on the “Location History” map.
  • Select “Delete all location history.”

However, Google will continue tracking your location unless you haven’t turned off a separate “Web & App Activity” tracker. The reason for this feature is to provide “better recommendations, and more personalized experiences in Maps, Search, and other Google services.”

To turn off web and app activity, do this: