You must change your Google Maps setting now to restore privacy

Remember the old GPS units we used to go back to back in the day? Before that, you might have printed out directions from MapQuest or another site. Before that we relied on actual maps that no one knew how to quickly fold, and today you open your phone and tap an app. It’s easy for sure, but you might not think much about the amount of information you provide on every flight and every search. Speaking of searches, it’s time to clear your browser’s search history. If you don’t do this regularly, start now. Click or tap for steps in all major browsers. Before you use Google Maps to get somewhere, there is one simple change you can make to restore at least part of your privacy. Google Photos Change starts on Tuesday: Google Photos unlimited storage of photos and videos disappearing as of Tuesday; Accounts have a 15GB limit Google Doodle: Google turns gray for Memorial Day and adds an American flag to Google’s doodles Look everywhere you go Did you know Google Maps works even if you don’t have a Google account associated with it? However, you will not get all the features. Signing in allows you to save locations, like your home and work, and remember your favorite tracks. Like any navigation app, Google Maps uses the GPS location on your phone to determine where you are in the world. Every time you navigate somewhere, your location is stored in your profile. That might not sound so bad. After all, your navigation app needs to know where you are. But all of this information is rarely deleted from your account. You can check where you were on this day five years ago, for example, it’s worth checking out this list. Perhaps it will feel like a pleasant walk down memory lane. Or maybe it scares you. Do you work with BIG TECH? Google search alternatives that respect your privacy Here’s how to see your history: • When you’re signed in, tap your profile picture to open your Google Account or go to your Google Account page. • On the left, click Data and Personalization. • Under Activity Controls, tap Location History. • At the bottom tap Manage Activity. You’ll see a map with details like your saved home and work locations and all the recorded trips you’ve taken over the years. You can use Timeline box in the top left corner to search by year or down to a specific day, try going back a few years. If there are trips recorded, you’ll see a blue bar that you can click on. Select it for highlights, like visits you’ve made and places you’ve traveled to it and the exact path you took. You’ll even see how long it took you to get there. You should have one too. Here is a list of the best affordable dash cams. You can turn off this tracking After you’re done exploring, you can choose to stop Google from tracking your movements with these Method • Open your Google Account page • On the left, tap Data and Personalization • Under Activity Controls tap Location History You can turn off this option Note: Google saves where you go even when you Do not use a specific Google service le , toggling this option turns off tracking in the future, but it will keep a copy of your history, and to completely delete your location history data, click the Auto – delete option button. You can choose to automatically delete data older than three months, older than 18 months, or older than 36 months. You can still delete anything manually before that, if you turn this setting off, Google warns that you might not see recommendations based on your history or tips to make your commute easier, for example. Your location may also remain saved when you use other Google services, such as Google Photos.STORAGE FULL? A hidden iPhone setup that can use up all your storage in a flash with an annoying printer, bad updates, or WI-FI issues that you just can’t crack? Get answers! Post your tech questions to get specific answers from me and other tech professionals. Visit my Q&A forum and get technical assistance now. Catch up on the latest tech on the Kim Komando Show, the country’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and provides advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data breaches. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com. The opinions and opinions expressed in this column are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.