Guides

Export Google Maps Timeline

Google Timeline is now stored on your phone. For current data, export it from the device that holds the Timeline, not from Google Takeout.

Android

The export is in Android Settings, not in the Google Maps app.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Open Location.
  3. Open Location services.
  4. Open Timeline.
  5. Tap Export Timeline data.
  6. Tap Continue.
  7. Choose where to save the file.
  8. Tap Save.
  9. Upload the exported JSON file to ClearSpot Travel.
Can't find Timeline?
  • Update Google Maps first. Google documents Maps 11.106 or later for Timeline on Android.
  • Confirm that Timeline exists in Google Maps: profile picture, then Your Timeline.
  • Search Android Settings for Timeline. Manufacturers sometimes rearrange menus; searching is often faster than browsing.
  • Do not clear Google Play services data to troubleshoot this. Google warns that doing so can delete Timeline data stored on the device.

iPhone / iPad

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Tap your profile picture.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Open Location & Privacy.
  5. Tap Export Timeline data.
  6. In the iOS share sheet, choose Save to Files.
  7. Pick a folder and tap Save.
  8. Upload location-history.json to ClearSpot Travel.

Google currently documents the iPhone export filename as location-history.json. Android may use a different name; upload the JSON file you saved.

Import Timeline JSON

What is in the Timeline export?

Google Timeline is not the same thing as a high-frequency GPS track recorded by a sports watch. The amount and precision of location data can vary by device, settings and trip. ClearSpot Travel uses the locations and timestamps that are present in the export; it does not invent missing positions.

Keep the original phone until you have exported

Timeline data is stored on the device. Google warns that a factory reset or clearing Google Play services data can delete Timeline data from that device. Export first.

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If this guide is out of date, send us an email so we can update it.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