Recover Google Maps Timeline from a backup

After you change, reset or lose a phone, the only way Google Maps itself gives back your Timeline is the encrypted Timeline backup – if it was turned on before. Here is how to check for one, restore it, and what else to try if there is none.

Already exported your Timeline? Trackmere opens Timeline.json (Android), location-history.json (iPhone) or old Takeout files offline in your browser: map, day-by-day visits, places, export to Excel or GPX. It only reads your file – it can’t fetch or restore anything from Google.

Open my Timeline file – free

Updated 2026-11-01 · 5 min read

1. Check whether you have a backup

Google Maps › profile picture › Your Timeline › the cloud icon at the top right. The “Your backups” section lists the devices that have a backup. If the list is empty, backups weren't on for any device. Google's help notes that backup is turned on separately on each device, needs auto-delete off, and can take a few days to include recent changes.

2. Restore (import) it

In Your Timeline, tap the cloud icon.
Under “Your backups”, select the device whose history you want.
Tap ⋮ More › Import.
On “Import Timeline from backup”, tap Import.

“Your encrypted data is locked on this device”

Google's help says to find the device that originally encrypted the backups. If you still have it, open Your Timeline › Backup there and re-enter your password when prompted; then the backup can be restored on the new phone. If you no longer have that device, Google's only offered option is to turn off Timeline backups and delete all existing backups so you can start new ones – that removes the old backups for good, so don't do it hoping to recover anything.

No backup? Where history may survive

Your old phone, if it wasn't reset – export its Timeline (see export steps).
Another phone or tablet signed in to the same account: each device has its own Timeline.
Files you exported before (Timeline.json, location-history.json).
Old Google Takeout zips with Records.json or Semantic Location History – search your computer and cloud drives for takeout-.

Found several pieces? Open them together in Trackmere – overlaps are merged into one history you can browse on a computer.

What can't be recovered

Timeline data that was deleted – by you, by auto-delete, or because web history wasn't moved before the deadline – and that isn't in a backup or a file can't be brought back. Be careful with paid “Timeline recovery” services that promise otherwise: Google's help says deleted Timeline data is permanently deleted.

Don't lose it again

Turn on Backup on every phone you use (auto-delete off).
Export a file every few months and keep it in two places.

See your history on a big screen. Trackmere opens Android Timeline.json, iPhone location-history.json and older Google Takeout files in your browser: map, day-by-day timeline, places, distances, days per country, and export to Excel, CSV, GPX, KML or GeoJSON. Your locations never leave your computer. The map, days, places and days-per-country are free; exports are free for 31 days of data, and a $12 lifetime license covers all of it.

Open Trackmere – free

Questions and answers

Can Google support restore my deleted Timeline?

Google's help pages don't offer a manual restore; deleted Timeline data is described as permanently deleted. The encrypted backup is the only built-in way back.

Can I open the encrypted Timeline backup on a computer?

No. It is encrypted and only Google Maps can import it. To see your history on a computer, export a file from the phone instead.

Does Trackmere recover Timeline data?

No. Trackmere opens files you already have – exports and old Takeout files – and shows them on a map. It cannot get anything from Google.

I restored a backup but some days are still missing

The backup only contains what that device had recorded and backed up; recent changes can take a few days to reach the backup, and days with Timeline off were never saved.

Sources and product names: Google Maps Help "Manage your Google Maps Timeline" – Back up your Timeline data, Import your Timeline data from a backup, Delete Timeline data. Google Maps and Google Takeout are trademarks of Google LLC. Trackmere is independent and not affiliated with Google. This page is general information, not tax, immigration or legal advice.