Navigation is powered by navigation data, which makes Google Maps more useful for everyone. This data is collected when you use features like:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Glanceable directions while navigating, which lets you see updated ETAs & your next turn—right from your route overview or lock screen
Navigation data has always helped—and continues to help—Google Maps provide real-time features, such as traffic conditions, disruptions, and the ability to find the fastest route.
How navigation data works
While you navigate with Google Maps, Google collects data to help reflect the world in real time for everyone. Data, such as:
- GPS location
- Transportation mode
- Navigation details, such as the route you took
- Sensor data from your devices, such as the barometer
Google uses your data by itself or combined with others to make Maps better, such as:
- Improving navigation
- Suggesting faster alternate routes to save time
- Showing real-time updates, such as traffic, disruptions, and weather conditions
Learn more about how your data is collected and used in accordance with Google’s Privacy Policy.
How Google protects navigation data
- Navigation data, such as the route you took, isn’t associated with your Google Account. Instead, it’s associated with a securely generated identifier that resets on a regular basis. That means Google can’t look up your navigation data based on your Google Account.
- Other data collected as you explore the world, such as when you search for directions to a place, may be associated with your Google Account. You can change controls and manage activity, such as Location History or Web & App Activity, by visiting Your data in Maps.
- We only collect the navigation data we need to provide the best Maps experience for everyone—after processing, it’s deleted.
- We don't associate updates to the map with your Google Account or device.
You’re in control
You can change location permission for Google Maps. Just so you know, if you deny location permission, this will disable features that use real-time location, such as turn-by-turn navigation. You will still be able to get the list of directions and a preview of the route.
On your Android phone or tablet's home screen, find the Google Maps app 
.
- Touch and hold the Google Maps app
- Tap App info
Permissions
- Select an option:
- Allow all the time: The app can access your location at any time.
- Only while using the app: Your location can only be accessed while you're using the app.
- Ask every time: Every time you open the app, it'll ask to use your location. Your location can be used until you close the app.
- Deny: The app is unable to use your location, even while you’re using the app.
Permissions Learn more
- Find your location on a map: Learn how to find & improve your location’s accuracy in Google Maps.
- Manage your Location History of the places you've been and the routes you've traveled: Learn about Timeline
- Manage your data preferences in Maps
- See & control your Web & App Activity
- Google Maps 101: How AI helps predict traffic and determine routes
- Traffic prediction with advanced Graph Neural Networks
- Google Privacy Policy