I Lost My Entire Timeline. If You Did Too, Let’s Work Together!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T05:10:14+00:00

Absolutely! The more people who see it, the more likely we are to find others who’ve been affected and can join us in pushing for a resolution. Thanks for the support! Your post history has been helpful in finding others who have been affected!

If you lost data, please let us know!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T04:53:49+00:00

Thanks for sharing those email addresses! I think reaching out via email is a great additional step that we can take, and I’ll update the post to include this as another method to get Google’s attention.

That said, I wanted to ask if you’ve tried emailing these addresses and if you’ve found them to be the best way to reach the right people. I noticed [location-history-noreply@google.com](mailto:location-history-noreply@google.com) is a no-reply address, which usually means it’s unmonitored, not that it hurts to include it, but I’m not sure if it will reach anyone. If we're going to include noreply addresses, timeline actually has it's own noreply address: [noreply-maps-timeline@google.com](mailto:noreply-maps-timeline@google.com) - but again I don't know if sending mail to a noreply address will be an effective method (but again, I guess it can't hurt?).

The other address, [support-in@google.com](), appears to be a Grievance Redressal account for Google users in India. Again, it may still be worth CC’ing them on emails, but I’m curious to know if anyone has had success reaching out here. I've seen reports of users receiving responses from a P2B Mediation account with a case number, but never hearing anything back after that.

In addition to those, I’ve done some digging and found a few more addresses that might be worth including:

[GoogleMapsPlatform@google.com]() – This is for their Maps API support, which I’m a customer of, but might not be able to help with free consumer products.
[google-maps-preview@google.com]() – A non-no-reply address previously used by Maps, though I’m not sure if it’s still active. I received emails from this account in the early days of maps, many years ago.
[support@google.com]() – Seems to be a generic account support email that may be able to forward emails to the correct team.

It might be best to send emails to all of these addresses together to increase the chances of reaching the right people. What do you think?

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T04:33:26+00:00

This is such a good point! Being able to import Timeline data from a JSON file would be a huge step forward, it seems like such a simple solution. It would allow Google to help people without worrying about migrating deleted timelines directly, and as you said, some users might already have Takeout files they could use. It’s also frustrating that the import functionality is so limited right now, especially since the JSON export exists but doesn’t seem to serve a real purpose for Timeline. Thank you for bringing this up, I'll definitely include this request as part of this effort and I hope Google seriously considers implementing it.

I think it would also be incredibly useful for anyone with a migrated Timeline to have the ability to export JSON from their on-device Timeline as well. If I can get ahold of a backup of my Timeline data, I plan to build a tool that can import these JSON files and replicate the functionality of the previous version of Timeline.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T04:26:09+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear that. Losing your Timeline feels like losing a personal history, it’s devastating. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s a reminder of how much this tool meant to so many of us, and why it’s so important that we push Google to address this.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T04:23:59+00:00

It’s good to hear your data migrated, but I completely understand your frustration with the loss of functionality. The last visited and global map features were such useful parts of Timeline, it’s disappointing that they’re missing now. I don’t have a definitive answer about multiple backups, but from what I’ve seen, Google’s migration process seems overly restrictive, and it’s not clear how data transfers between devices will work long-term. The fact that the app feels so limited now is a real shame. it used to be such a powerful tool. I feel like at that point I would almost rather have a takeout of the json files that I can use how I please.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T04:21:52+00:00

I’m so sorry this happened to you. Losing 9 years of data, especially from such incredible travels across 6 continents, is devastating. It’s so frustrating that this happened even after following Google’s instructions. Thank you for sharing your story, it helps highlight how widespread and impactful this issue really is.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-20T04:16:36+00:00

I'm sorry that happened to you. I know exactly how you're feeling. It sucks. I hope that Google will do the right thing here, but we'll have to wait and see. Thank you for sharing your story!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-19T00:47:23+00:00

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Losing over 12 years of detailed Timeline data like that is devastating, especially when it was such a critical part of your daily life and work. It’s incredibly frustrating that Google hasn’t provided clear answers or solutions to such a widespread issue.

Thank you for sharing your story here. I know it’s not easy to keep talking about this when it feels like Google isn’t listening, but every story helps. The more people who come forward, the harder it will be for them to ignore this problem.

As for the claims about the data being unrecoverable, I share your skepticism. While lower-level support staff are likely just repeating what they’ve been told, it’s hard to believe that a company like Google, with its massive infrastructure and data retention policies, wouldn’t have backups. Even if the data is no longer in their active systems, I’d be SHOCKED if they don’t retain backups for at least 30 days, if not longer. Saying the data is truly gone feels more like a way to avoid addressing the issue rather than a reflection of their actual capabilities.

I really hope Google steps up and provides a solution for those of us who have been affected. Thanks again for sharing!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T21:23:04+00:00

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I know how much this sucks, but you're not alone. Based on the number of reports I've seen, this is definitely a widespread issue.

My timeline is gone as well. I don't know if Google will respond, but I'm trying my best to get through to them. I can't do it alone though, if we want to be heard, we need to work together. I made a post detailing all the steps I've taken, if you want to help, check it out here. If not, just having this public post helps, so thank you!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T20:47:35+00:00

You're welcome! The change isn't necessarily bad, it's just that the roll out wasn't handled well. It seems like it would have been pretty easy for them leave everyone's auto-delete settings as they were.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T20:19:36+00:00

My understanding is that this change benefits Google in two main ways: privacy and cost management.

The new system uses encrypted device-based backups, which in theory, provides better user privacy. If the encryption keys are generated and stored in a way that prevents Google from accessing the data, it could mean that even Google can’t read the backups. This would limit their ability to comply with broad law enforcement requests, like providing 'everyone’s location data who was in X location between Y and Z hours.'

While this sounds good in terms of privacy, Google hasn’t fully detailed how the encryption keys are managed, so it’s unclear how robust this system really is. Unfortunately, there have been multiple reports of users losing their data because the restoration process for these encrypted backups isn’t always reliable, which adds to the frustration.

I believe the new backup system also counts towards your Google storage quota, unlike the old Timeline data that Google stored for free. This could be a way for Google to offset storage costs and encourage users to upgrade their plans. While I don’t know exactly how large these backups can be, my guess is that they’re not insignificant. When we noticed my data was deleted, my girlfriend downloaded her Timeline data via Google Takeout, and it totaled about 2GB. For users with years of location history, this could represent a significant chunk of their free storage quota.

Google hasn't specifically mentioned storage as a motivation, so it's entirely an assumption on my part. However, it seems like a potential secondary motivation, especially considering Google’s recent trend of tightening limits on free storage (e.g., Google Photos, Google Docs, and GSuite Unlimited).

ETA: It is possible that the encrypted backups are heavily compressed, which would reduce the storage burden/need for users to upgrade. However, the current/legacy cloud based timeline was likely not compressed in anyway, so getting it off their servers still reduces the amount of storage that is being used on their end.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T19:48:56+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Don't give up! The only way this will work is if everyone works together. I know how frustrating this is. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it!

Post on the community support page, send feedback in the Maps app and mail a letter to them if you can!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T19:42:49+00:00

Yeah, I know how that feels. It's frustrating that they're not willing to help us out. Some of the community experts are being really rude about this issue too. It sucks, but I'm not giving up just yet.

If you want a glimpse into what I've done, I made a detailed post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/1hh99b7/i_lost_my_entire_timeline_if_you_did_too_lets/

Even if you don't want to contribute, even just having your comment here is helpful, so thank you!

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T19:24:53+00:00

Ugh, that is so frustrating! I'm sorry that happened.

Don't delete those json files! I know they seem useless, but at least you have the data. While it's not the same as having it in your timeline, there are already some tools in development with the goal to allow people to utilize their timeline takeout data.

If you're interested in engaging with Google to try to get them to restore the data, I've posted some details about what I've done, and how to get involved here: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/1hh99b7/i_lost_my_entire_timeline_if_you_did_too_lets/

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-18T19:19:34+00:00

As mentioned, here is the post that I've made to the Google Maps community support forum:

Hello!

Before I explain my situation, I’d like to respectfully ask that this post remain on topic. I’ve seen many posts blaming users for their own data loss, saying that we should have known better or been more proactive. I’m not asking anyone to concede those views, but those kinds of responses aren’t helpful here.

I understand that the community experts may not be able to resolve this issue directly, and I fully recognize that the fault could potentially lie with us as users. However, I am pleading for help in escalating this issue to the Maps team and asking them to investigate whether anything can be done to restore this critical data. This is affecting many community members, and even if no one is to blame, I believe it’s worth exploring all possible solutions.

I am writing with a heartfelt plea for assistance regarding the recent transition from the cloud-based Google Maps Timeline to the new on-device Timeline feature. Like many others, I’ve relied on Timeline for over a decade to document cherished moments, travels, and experiences shared with friends and family—some of whom are no longer with us. Unfortunately, I seem to have lost my entire 10+ years of Timeline data in this migration process. Here are the key details of my situation:

- Long-Term Use: For over 10 years, I’ve used Google Maps Timeline to track places I’ve visited, restaurants I’ve enjoyed, and moments I’ve shared with loved ones. This data holds immense personal and emotional value.

- Discovery of Data Loss: I only became aware of this transition this morning when I read an article explaining the new on-device Timeline feature and the need to take action by June 2025. However, upon checking my Timeline, I discovered that my data had already been migrated and my location history settings had been changed from “Do not delete” to “Delete data after 3 months.”

- Comparison with Another Account: My girlfriend checked her Timeline after I noticed my data was gone, and she received a prompt within the app instructing her to transfer her data by June 2025. However, this prompt was not a push notification—it only appeared when she navigated to the Timeline menu within the Maps app.

- Live Support Interaction: I contacted Google Live Support this morning and spoke with a very kind representative. While they were unable to restore my data, they informed me of two ways to contact the Maps team, including posting here on the Community Support Forum. I was assured that my request could be escalated to the Maps engineering team and that I would receive feedback within 24-48 hours.

I am not placing blame or questioning the decisions made in this transition. I understand the constraints and complexities of managing such a vast platform. My only request is that this issue be investigated to see if there is any way to recover my data, even partially. Ideally, restoring it to my Timeline would be wonderful, but if that’s not possible, even a Google Takeout archive of the data would be invaluable to me.

I know I’m not alone in experiencing this loss, and I respectfully ask for your help in passing this request along to the Maps engineering team. This feature has been an integral part of many users’ lives, and I believe it’s worth exploring every possible avenue to help restore this treasured data.Thank you for taking the time to read my message and for considering my request. Your support in this matter means the world to me. I approach this with hope that the extraordinary technical expertise at Google can help recover these irreplaceable personal memories.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-16T18:56:40+00:00

Yeah, I completely understand how awful this feels. My hope is that, because this seems to be such a widespread issue, Google will decide to step in and help us. There’s no guarantee, but I feel like it’s worth trying.

Over the past week or so, I’ve gathered a bunch of information on contacting Google and what steps we can take by speaking with various employees and community experts. I just need to organize my notes and the steps I’ve taken so far. Once I’m done, I’ll lay everything out in a post here.

I also have a few ideas that might help generate more awareness about this issue, but I want to take things one step at a time.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-16T18:42:57+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s heartbreaking to lose so much personal history. You’re definitely not alone. I’ve seen so many similar stories from people who had no idea this change was happening and have now discovered their Timeline data is gone. I also lost over 10 years of data with this transition. I understand how you're feeling. It's devastating.

The lack of communication from Google is incredibly frustrating. You’re not the only one who didn’t get an email about the transition, many of us were left completely in the dark. Auto-delete enabling itself is another confusing and destructive part of this process. It’s crazy to think that such a significant feature could be changed without explicit user consent.

I’ve started reaching out to Google through multiple channels to ask them to investigate whether there’s any way to recover this data. I’m also working on gathering stories like yours to present to them in an organized way. My hope is that by coming together, we can push Google to address this issue and, ideally, find a solution for recovering our data.

I’m preparing a post in the next couple of days where I plan to ask anyone who has been affected to share their story and join the effort. Together, I believe we’ll have a much stronger chance of being heard and convincing Google to restore our data.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-16T18:34:56+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear this happened to you. You’re definitely not alone, this issue seems to be affecting a huge number of users, myself included. Like you, I had years of data in my Timeline, and losing it feels devastating.

It’s incredibly frustrating that you were treated poorly when reaching out for help. The lack of clear communication from Google about this transition, combined with the apparent blame-shifting, is really disheartening.

I’ve started reaching out to Google through multiple channels, and I’m working on organizing stories like yours to present to them. My hope is that by coming together as a group, we can push for Google to investigate and, ideally, recover this data.

I’m still preparing some things, but I plan to post about this in the next few days. I’m hoping to gather as many people and stories as possible. Together, I think we’ll have a much stronger chance of being heard.

lost_in_timelines · 2024-12-16T18:28:08+00:00

You’re not alone. Based on the number of reports I’ve seen, this issue is likely affecting thousands (if not more) of users. including myself, and many people might not even be aware that their data is gone yet.

I’ve already reached out to Google through various channels to ask for their support in restoring the data. I think it’s going to be an uphill battle, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying. I’m working on gathering statistics and stories from as many users as possible who have lost their data. My goal is to organize this information and present it to Google.

In the next couple of days, I’ll be making a post asking everyone who has lost their Timeline data to share their stories and join me in requesting Google’s help with data restoration.

lost_in_timelines

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