How to Delete Google Maps Search History and Activity on Any Device

Keeping your digital life tidy isn’t just about decluttering old emails or unused apps. Your search history, especially in tools like Google Maps, can build up a detailed log of where you’ve been and what you’ve looked for. Whether you want to protect your privacy, clear old addresses, or just tidy up, here’s a straightforward guide to deleting your Google Maps search history and activity on any device.

Why Delete Your Google Maps History?

• Privacy: Don’t want others to see where you’ve been searching or navigating? Clearing history helps keep things private.
• Declutter: Remove irrelevant or outdated searches.
• Security: Extra step to prevent sensitive locations from being exposed.

How to Delete Google Maps History on Mobile (Android & iOS)

1. Delete Individual Searches

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Tap Settings > Maps history.
4. You’ll see a list of your recent activity. Next to the entry you want to remove, tap the three dots (…), then select Delete.

2. Delete All or a Range of Activity

1. In Maps history (follow the steps above).
2. Tap Delete (just below the search bar).
3. Choose from:
   • Delete today
   • Delete custom range
   • Delete all time
4. Follow the prompts to confirm.

3. Enable Auto-Delete

1. While in Maps history, tap Auto-delete (under the search bar).
2. Choose how long you want Google to keep your activity: 3, 18, or 36 months.
3. Tap Next and confirm.

How to Delete Google Maps History on Desktop

1. Delete Individual Items

1. Go to Google Maps and make sure you’re signed in.
2. Click the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left.
3. Click Your data in Maps > See & delete activity.
4. Find the activity you want to delete, click the three dots, then select Delete.

2. Delete All or a Date Range

1. In the Maps Activity page, click Delete on the left.
2. Choose Delete by date or Delete all time.
3. Follow the prompts to finish.

3. Set Up Auto-Delete

1. From the same Maps Activity page, look for Auto-delete.
2. Select how often Google should delete your activity.
3. Confirm your choice.

A Note on Location History

Deleting your Maps search history is separate from Location History (which tracks everywhere you go, not just what you search for).

• To manage Location History, go to your Google Activity Controls, scroll to Location History, and turn it off or delete the data.

Quick Tips

• Deleting history removes it from your account across all devices.
• You can always download your data first if you want a backup (Google Takeout).
• Google may still retain some info for legal or troubleshooting reasons, but it’s not visible in your account.

Final Thoughts

Regularly clearing your Google Maps activity is a simple way to protect your privacy and keep your digital footprint in check. The steps above work for Android, iPhone, and desktop—so you can keep control no matter what device you use.

Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!