How navigation data makes Maps better for everyone

Navigation is powered by navigation data, which makes Google Maps more useful for everyone. This data is collected when you use features like:

Turn-by-turn navigation
Glanceable directions, which automatically gives you updated ETAs and your next turn as you move along your route—right from your route overview or lock screen. You can turn off glanceable directions by visiting Settings or tapping the blue dot.

Navigation data has always helped—and continues to help—Google Maps provide real-time features, such as traffic conditions, disruptions, and the ability to find the fastest route.

How navigation data works

While you navigate with Google Maps, Google collects data to help reflect the world in real time for everyone. Data, such as:

GPS location
Navigation details, such as the route you took
Sensor data from your devices, such as the barometer

Google uses your data by itself or combined with others to make Maps better, such as:

Improving navigation
Suggesting faster alternate routes to save time
Showing real-time updates, such as traffic, disruptions, and weather conditions

Google starts collecting navigation data:

For turn-by-turn navigation: Shortly after you tap Start .
For glanceable directions: Shortly after you begin moving along your route while Maps is open.

Google stops collecting navigation data:

For turn-by-turn navigation: After you’ve arrived at your destination. You can also stop navigation by tapping Exit or Close .
For glanceable directions: After you’ve arrived at your destination. You can also tap Back .

Learn more about how your data is collected and used in accordance with Google’s Privacy Policy.

How Google protects navigation data

Navigation data, such as the route you took, isn’t associated with your Google Account. Instead, it’s associated with a securely generated identifier that resets on a regular basis. That means Google can’t look up your navigation data based on your Google Account.
Other data collected as you explore the world, such as when you search for directions to a place, may be associated with your Google Account. You can change controls and manage activity, such as Location History or Web & App Activity, by visiting Your data in Maps.
We only collect the navigation data we need to provide the best Maps experience for everyone—after processing, it’s deleted.
We don't associate updates to the map with your Google Account or device.

Learn more about how Google keeps your information safe.

You’re in control

You can change location permission for Google Maps. Just so you know, if you deny location permission, this will disable features that use real-time location, such as turn-by-turn navigation. You will still be able to get the list of directions and a preview of the route.

To change location permission for Maps:

On your Android phone or tablet, find the Google Maps app .
Touch and hold the Google Maps app .
Tap App info Permissions Location.
Tap an option:
- Allow all the time: The app can find your location anytime.
- Only while using the app: Your location can only be accessed while you're using the app.
- Ask every time: Every time you open the app, it'll ask to use your location. Your location can be used until you close the app.
- Deny: The app is unable to use your location, even while you’re using the app.

You can also turn off glanceable directions at any time:

Tap your profile picture or initial Settings Navigation settings.
- You can also tap the blue dot on the route overview screen.
Tap Glanceable directions.

Learn more

Find your location on a map: Learn how to find & improve your location’s accuracy in Google Maps.
Manage your Location History of the places you've been and the routes you've traveled: Learn about Timeline
Manage your data preferences in Maps
Find & control your Web & App Activity
Google Maps 101: How AI helps predict traffic and determine routes
Traffic prediction with advanced Graph Neural Networks
Google Privacy Policy

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