Skip to content
trace

GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINE ALTERNATIVE

A private Google Maps Timeline alternative for iPhone

Trace records the places you go and the routes you take. You do not sign in. Your journal stays encrypted on your iPhone.

Download on the App StoreCompare the two apps
  • NO GOOGLE ACCOUNT
  • IMPORTS YOUR TIMELINE
  • ENCRYPTED ON YOUR IPHONE

SIDE BY SIDE

Trace and Google Maps Timeline

TopicTraceGoogle Maps Timeline
AccountTRACEcheck_circleYou do not sign in.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcancelYou need a Google Account. Timeline is off by default. You must turn it on.
Where your data isTRACEcheck_circleTrace encrypts your journal on your iPhone. We do not operate servers that receive your journal.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcheck_circleTimeline is on each device that you sign in on.
Cloud copyTRACEcheck_circleiCloud sync is optional and off by default. It goes to your own iCloud account. Trace encrypts it before it leaves your iPhone.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcheck_circleBackup is optional. Google keeps an encrypted copy on Google servers. To use backup, you must turn off auto-delete.
Changes on other devicesTRACEcheck_circleWith iCloud sync, your journal is the same on each iPhone.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcancelA change or a deletion on one device does not go to your other devices.
How long data staysTRACEcheck_circleYour journal stays until you erase it.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcheck_circleAuto-delete can remove data after 3, 18 or 36 months. You can also keep it until you delete it.
ImportTRACEcheck_circleImport your Google Maps Timeline export. Trace adds only the days that have nothing in your journal.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcancelNot available.
ExportTRACEcheck_circleExport your journal as a JSON file.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcheck_circleExport Timeline as a JSON file (location-history.json).
DevicesTRACEdo_not_disturb_oniPhone with iOS 18.0 or later.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEcheck_circleThe Google Maps app on Android and iPhone. Timeline is not available in Maps on a computer.
Ads and trackingTRACEcheck_circleNo ads. We do not sell your data or track you across other apps. Trace sends no analytics.GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINEdo_not_disturb_onControlled by your Google Account settings.

We checked the facts about Google Maps Timeline in , on Google Maps Help. Google can change Timeline at any time.

IMPORT GOOGLE TIMELINE

Move to Trace in three steps.

Trace reads the file on your iPhone. It does not keep Google place IDs or addresses.

  1. 01

    Export from Google Maps

    In the Google Maps app, open Settings and tap Export Timeline data. Save the file to Files.

  2. 02

    Import into Trace

    In Trace, open Settings and tap Import Google Timeline. Select the file. Files from Google Takeout also work.

  3. 03

    See your old days

    Trace adds only the days that have nothing in your journal. Your recorded days do not change.

TO BE FAIR

When to keep Google Maps Timeline.

  • You use Android, or you use Android and iPhone together.
  • You want your location history in your Google Account.

Questions

Is Trace a replacement for Google Maps Timeline?

Yes, if you use an iPhone. Trace records the places you go and the routes you take, automatically. You do not need a Google Account.

Does the iPhone have a timeline like Google Maps?

Not the same. Apple Maps has Visited Places. It records the places that you stop at, but not the routes between them. Visited Places is not available in all countries. Trace records your stays and your journeys, with the route of each journey.

Does Trace send my locations to a server?

No. Trace encrypts your journal on your iPhone. We do not operate servers that receive your journal. If you turn on iCloud sync, your journal goes to your own iCloud account.

Can I bring my Google Maps Timeline history to Trace?

Yes. Export your Timeline from the Google Maps app on your phone. Then in Trace, open Settings and tap Import Google Timeline. Trace adds only the days that have nothing in your journal.

Why is Google Maps Timeline not on my computer?

Google moved Timeline to the Google Maps app on your phone. Timeline is not available in Maps on a computer. Trace also keeps your journal on your phone.

Can I use Trace on Android or on a computer?

No. Trace is only for iPhone. If you use Android, Google Maps Timeline is a better choice for you.

Can I use Trace and Google Maps Timeline at the same time?

Yes. The two apps record separately. Each app uses its own location permission on your iPhone.

To learn what Trace does with your data, read the Privacy Policy.

Bring your days home.

Install Trace and import your Google Timeline. Your old days and your new days stay on your iPhone.

Download on the App StoreSee all the features of Trace