Turn location data collection on or off

Tip: This article applies to iPhones and iPads.

When you turn on location data collection, Google's location service sometimes sends anonymous location information to Google. The location data may be temporarily stored on your iPhone or iPad.

Location info helps Google provide better services, like showing more accurate traffic conditions.

Turn on location data collection

To turn on anonymous location collection, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial   Settings.
3. Select About, terms & privacy.
4. Select Location data collection.
5. Slide the switch to ON.

Turn off location data collection

To turn off anonymous location collection, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial   Settings.
3. Select About, terms & privacy.
4. Select Location data collection.
5. Slide the switch to OFF.

The location data collection setting applies only to location data collected by Google's location service. It doesn't control other location services in Google Maps for iPhone or iPad, including My Location. If you want to change other location services, go to your device's Location Services setting.

Tip: Timeline is different from location data collection. When Timeline is on, even when Google apps aren't in use, your device's precise location is regularly saved to your devices. Learn how to manage Timeline.