Privacy on the Move: Maximizing Privacy on Google Maps

Want to keep your movements under wraps while using Google Maps? This comprehensive guide explores they key strategies to maximize the privacy and control over location information while using Google Maps.

1.???? Adjust Your Location Sharing Settings on Google Maps

It is pertinent to review your setting with respect to sharing of location. This can be done by going to the “Settings” of the phones, go to “Privacy Settings” for customizing the location preferences. This would help you to limit the location sharing only while using the apps. For Google Maps, set location access to "Only while using the app" on your phone's settings.

2.???? Customize Your Location Notifications

Google Maps can send personalized notifications based on where you are located. Reviewing and customizing the settings of these notifications to avoid the application tracking your device.

3. Switch to Incognito Mode

To avoid your search and location history being watched or recorded, use Google Maps’ incognito mode. This would prevent your activities from being stored.

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4. Review and Delete Location History Regularly

Google Maps stores your location history. To check this storage of information, visit your Google Account’s “Location History” page to review the data which is stored. Delete any such data stored to enhance privacy.

5. Opting Out of Personalized Ads Goes a Long Way

One can control the types of ads you would receive in Google Maps. Visit your Google Account’s “Ad Settings” and disable any such personalized ads which are based on your location or the browsing history.

6. Limiting Google Maps’ Location Accuracy

You can adjust and minimize the accuracy settings within Google Maps to enhance privacy. This can be done by going to the settings of Google Map app settings and choose the “Location” feature. Next go to the “Google Location Accuracy” settings and switch on the toggle for the settings. Switching off Wi-fi and Bluetooth scanning would also help reduce the location accuracy.

7. Disable Sharing of the Timeline of Locations Visited

The timeline feature in Google Maps records all the places you have visited. You can turn this feature off to enhance your privacy. Go to “Your Timeline”, Choose "Settings and privacy", and under "Location History", toggle the switch to "Off".

8. Providing Public Reviews and Photos with Caution

While providing reviews along with photos on Google Maps, proceed with caution. Avoid revealing personal details or precise locations which could compromise your privacy.??

Co-Authored by Shivang Mishra

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