Google Maps finally goes 'Incognito' for iPhone users

Map it out without Google keeping tabs.
By Sasha Lekach  on 
Google Maps finally goes 'Incognito' for iPhone users
Google Maps doesn't have to keep track of your every move. Credit: Getty Images

The secretive incognito mode from the Chrome browser app is here for more privacy-conscious Google Maps users.

Starting Monday, Google's navigation app will let iPhone users use the same incognito mode from Chrome web browsing to turn off activity tracking on Google Maps. The feature launched back in October for Android users.

Now that iOS is all caught up, users will be able to choose how much information about places they’ve searched for or navigated to is saved and stored. To turn on incognito mode, simply click on your profile photo in the top right corner of the app to toggle the mode on and off.

Google first revealed the privacy setting back in May at the Google I/O conference. When disabled, the app will strip away any personalization, like restaurant recommendations based on other places you've visited. Your location history will also be cleared, so you won't be able to look back at where you've been.

Mashable Image
Map it out privately. Credit: google maps

Also coming up: bulk Timeline deletions. Timeline, for the unaware, uses your Location History to show a map of where you've been. You'll find it within the "sandwich" icon that's to the left of the search bar. If you keep location tracking off when you're not using the app. your Timeline will show "no visited places." But, if you do keep it on, you can now delete parts or all of your visited locations instead of doing it one by one.

Like most Google tools, this feature's coming first for Android next year. iPhone users will just have to wait -- but you should be used to that by now.

Topics Google iOS

Mashable Image
Sasha Lekach

Sasha is a news writer at Mashable's San Francisco office. She's an SF native who went to UC Davis and later received her master's from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She's been reporting out of her hometown over the years at Bay City News (news wire), SFGate (the San Francisco Chronicle website), and even made it out of California to write for the Chicago Tribune. She's been described as a bookworm and a gym rat.


Recommended For You
NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 15
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 14
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 14
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 14
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 13
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

More in Tech
TikTok for Business: Everything you need to know
TikTok for Business

Get this $115 Coleman tent for just $35 at Walmart
Coleman 4-Person Skydome Camping Tent

Walmart+ is offering some new limited-time perks — here's how to sign up
Walmart grocery bags sitting on a doorstep

How to report crypto transactions on your taxes
Mock cryptocurrency appears superimposed on a tax return form.

This website offers uncensored, unfiltered sexual health education
An iPhone sits on a tripod, filming a woman who lays with her legs open on a bed.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 16
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 16
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 15
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 15
a phone displaying Wordle

Jon Stewart shares his unfiltered thoughts about war in the Middle East
A man sits behind a talk show desk screaming in frustration.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!