Old Google Location History / Takeout archives
Use this page only if you already have an older Google Takeout or Location History archive. For current Timeline data, export directly from your phone.
Export current Google Timeline
Files ClearSpot Travel may recognize
The importer can read these when they contain usable location and time data:
Records.json(legacy Location History points)- Semantic Location History JSON, or other Takeout JSON with timelineObjects
- CSV files with latitude, longitude and time columns
- An unencrypted ZIP that contains those files
- Unzip the Takeout archive on your computer if it is a normal ZIP.
- Look for Records.json or Semantic Location History JSON files.
- Upload those files, or an unencrypted ZIP of them, to ClearSpot Travel.
Do not use Takeout for current Timeline
Google moved Timeline to on-device storage. If your current trips are visible in the Google Maps Timeline on your phone, use the phone export instead. A modern Takeout archive may contain settings or encrypted-backup information without the location points you expect.
No timestamps? No timed replay.
Coordinates without time cannot reproduce the timing of the trip. ClearSpot Travel rejects files that have no usable timestamps; it does not invent them.
Export current Timeline from my phone
Official provider documentation
Why this is annoying
Yes, the export is often complicated and tedious. Providers rarely make it easy to take your GPS data out of their app, even though those points are yours. Their procedures also change without much warning.
If this guide is out of date, send us an email so we can update it. contact@clearspot.me