Nobody runs around the city asking for directions anymore as smartphones have now become the third hand. Irrespective of where you are, the directions to your destination is just a tap away. And who else can provide you such information in the most effective and easiest way? We all know the answer, it is the omni-potent Google, Google Maps! However, what is more interesting is that Google actually tracks your location throughout irrespective of if you’re referring to Google Maps or not.

We all know what GPS is and how it helps in identifying the location we are at. It is not just Google Maps using your location to help you with directions, but also several other Google (and other companies) services tracking your location to provide you reminders and notifications. Well, the very thought of Google helping you with such notifications may sound pleasing, but you should also be aware of the targeted ads Google and its partners are selling you with your data.

Also, at times it feels way too creepier for someone like Google to always be your tail. Since Google is always sitting tight on your mobile devices (on both Android and iOS), it becomes clearly evident for Google to know your information such as when you left home for office, when you reached your office, where you spent your weekend escape, what’s your favorite hangout spot in the city, etc. Google stores every bit of this data and for someone as powerful as Google, it’s too much of granular data about you with just your location.

Google allows you to view your location history and the amount of details it stores will simply blow your mind.

To view your Google location history on Android/iOS devices:

1. From your Android or iOS mobile, open Google Maps app .
2. Click your profile picture or initial.
3. Click Your Timeline. 
4. Today’s history is shown. To see another day or month, tap Show calendar and pick a date.

If you feel it is too much of your private data on Google, you can delete the data from Google.

To delete your Google location history on Android/iOS devices:

1. From your Android or iOS mobile, open Google Maps.
2. Click your profile picture or initial.
3. Click Your data in Maps.
4. Click See & Delete activity.
5. Select the data.
6. Click Delete.

Unless you don’t really care about Google using or selling your data, or if you love to have recommendations from Google based on your location, it is a good privacy practice to turn off your location history (and turn it on only when you need, such as when you need directions from Google Map).

To turn off your Google location history on Android/iOS devices:

1. From your Android or iOS mobile, open Google Maps app .
2. Click your profile picture or initial.
3. Click Your Timeline. 
4. Click Settings.
5. Click Location History.
6. Disable the Location History.
7. Click Pause on the prompt provided.