Why you should look beyond the obvious settings
Google Maps is the go‑to navigation tool for most Android users in the UK, but the app does more than just give you turn‑by‑turn directions. Beneath the familiar interface lie a handful of options that are hidden from the main menu and can have a noticeable impact on privacy, battery life and mobile data consumption. While Google’s own help pages mention these features, they are easy to miss when you first set up the app. Below we break down the three most important hidden settings and show you exactly how to turn them off on any recent Android device.
1. The “Your timeline” – a hidden log of every place you’ve been
What it does
When you enable location history, Google Maps builds a chronological record of every location you’ve visited, even when the app isn’t open. This timeline can be useful for recalling past trips, but it also means Google stores a detailed map of your movements – something many users aren’t aware of.
How to disable it
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap your profile picture in the top‑right corner and select Your data in Maps.
- Scroll to the Location history section and tap Turn off.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Why it matters for UK users
The UK has strict data‑protection rules under the GDPR, and turning off location history reduces the amount of personal data Google retains. It also means you won’t see the “Your timeline” tab showing past journeys, which can be a privacy win if you share your phone or sell it later.
2. Background location – the silent battery‑drainer
What it does
Even when you’re not actively using Maps, the app can request location updates in the background. This keeps the app ready to provide instant traffic info, but it also means the GPS chip stays active, eating battery and, on limited data plans, using a small amount of mobile data.
How to turn it off
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Go to Location → App permission (or Location access depending on the OEM skin).
- Find Google Maps in the list and tap it.
- Change the permission from Allow all the time to Allow only while using the app or Deny if you never need location while the app is closed.
Impact on your contract
If you’re on a contract with a capped data allowance, background location can add up over weeks, especially if you travel frequently. Switching the permission to “while using the app” can shave a few megabytes off your monthly usage and noticeably extend battery life – a welcome benefit for commuters on the go.
3. “Improve Maps” and personalised ads – optional data sharing
What it does
Google offers a toggle called Improve Maps that sends anonymous usage data back to the servers to help refine routing, traffic predictions and POI accuracy. A related setting, Personalised ads, uses your location and search history to serve targeted advertising across Google services.
How to opt out
- In Google Maps, tap your profile picture → Settings.
- Scroll down to Personalisation & data.
- Turn off Improve Maps.
- For ads, open the Google Settings app (or go to myaccount.google.com on a browser), select Data & privacy, then Ad personalization and toggle it off.
Why you might want to disable them
While the data collected is anonymised, opting out gives you tighter control over what is shared with Google. For privacy‑conscious users, especially those who use a work phone that may be subject to corporate policies, disabling these options reduces the digital footprint of every journey you make.
Putting it all together – a quick checklist for Android users
- Location history – turn off if you don’t need a personal travel log.
- Background location – set Maps to “while using the app” to save battery and data.
- Improve Maps & ad personalisation – disable if you prefer minimal data sharing.
Doing these three tweaks takes less than two minutes but can make a noticeable difference in how much of your daily routine Google can see, how long your phone lasts between charges, and how much of your mobile data allowance is used.
The broader picture for contract shoppers
When you’re hunting for a new phone deal, many carriers bundle unlimited data or high‑capacity plans that seem attractive for heavy app users. However, if you’re already limiting background location and data‑sharing, you might be able to opt for a cheaper plan without sacrificing the functionality you need from Maps. In the UK market, carriers such as EE, O2 and Three often run promotions for “data‑light” plans that are perfect for users who have already trimmed unnecessary background usage.
Final thoughts
Google Maps remains a powerful navigation companion, but the default configuration leans heavily toward data collection and constant location tracking. By adjusting the three hidden settings outlined above, you regain control over your privacy, extend battery life and keep your data usage in check – all of which are valuable considerations when comparing Android phone contracts. Take a few minutes now to dive into the app’s deeper settings; the payoff is well worth the effort.