5 Fixes for Google Maps Timeline Not Working on Android and iPhone

Quick Tips

• Ensure that Google Maps is allowed to use location services on your phone and run in the background.
• Enable the location history and activity tracking feature in the Google Maps app.
• If the issue persists, try signing out of Google Maps and signing back in or clearing the app cache.

Fix 1: Configure Location Permission for Google Maps

Google Maps requires location access on your Android or iPhone to create an accurate timeline. Hence, the first thing to ensure is that Google Maps can use your location at all times.

On Android

Step 1: Long-press on the Google Maps app icon > tap the info icon from the resulting menu.

Step 2: On the app info page, go to Permissions.

Step 3: Tap on Location > select Allow all the time.

On iPhone

Step 1: Go to the Settings app > scroll down and tap on Google Maps.

Step 2: Tap on Location > select While Using the App or Widget or Always from the following menu.

Tip: You can enable the Precise Location toggle so that Google Maps can access your location data accurately.

Fix 2: Enable the Location History and Activity Tracking Features

Google Maps may fail to record your movements if you have disabled the Location History feature in the app. Therefore, it is essential to enable it. Additionally, you should turn on web and app activity tracking for your Google account so that Google Maps can use your activities within other Google apps and services to produce a comprehensive timeline.

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your phone > tap the profile icon at the top right corner > select Your Timeline.

Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu icon at the top > select Settings and privacy.

Step 3: Tap on Location History is off > hit the Turn on button under Location History.

Step 4: Tap the arrow next to Devices on this account and ensure to check the box for your phone.

Step 5: Return to the previous menu > tap Web & App Activity is off > hit the Turn on button.

Fix 3: Allow Google Maps to Run in the Background

Limiting Google Maps’ background activity can also cause issues with the timeline feature and prevent it from working correctly. To avoid this, follow the steps below to allow Google Maps to operate in the background.

On Android

Step 1: Long-press on the Google Maps icon > tap the info icon.

Step 2: From the App Info screen, tap on Battery > select Unrestricted from the following screen.

Step 3: Return to the app info page > tap on Mobile data > enable the toggles for Allow background data usage and Allow data usage while Data saver is on.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone > tap on General.

Step 2: Select Background App Refresh > enable the toggle for Google Maps.

Fix 4: Sign Out of Google Maps and Back In

Authentication issues with your account can also prevent Google Maps from saving your timeline. Usually, you can resolve such issues by signing out and signing back into the Google Maps app.

On Android

Step 1: In the Google Maps app on your phone, tap the profile icon at the top-right corner and select Settings.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and select Sign out of Google Maps.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your phone > tap your profile icon at the top right.

Step 2: Tap the downward arrow next to your account and select Use Maps without an account.

Sign back into Google Maps and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 5: Clear Google Maps Cache (Android)

Clearing Google Maps cache data removes all the temporary app files and forces the app to recreate them from scratch. This can help resolve issues caused by corrupt or inaccessible cache files and get the app working again.

Step 1: Long-press on the Google Maps app icon > tap the info icon from the menu.

Step 2: Go to Storage > tap Clear cache at the bottom.