You have probably heard of Incognito mode for Web browsing. It is likely you did not know that this feature exists for Google Maps, too. It does and it allows you to use Google Maps without it saving your search and location history when you use Maps to look for places and to navigate.
When you activate Incognito Mode, certain features are disabled. They include your search queries, as well as your search and location history. All that information stops being stored.
Also, saved locations, recent activities, and notifications, are all turned off.
In the section below, I walk you through how you can activate and use the function.
How to Activate Incognito Mode in Google Maps
To stop Google Maps from saving your history (as described above) while in use, follow the steps below:
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap your profile photo in the top right corner.
- Select the option Turn on incognito mode
- Google Maps will then restart and display a notification saying that Incognito Mode is now active. Close the notification and continue using Maps.
That’s it. From now, Google Maps will not save your search and location history as you use the app to find places and make your way around.
Take note that using incognito mode does not stop Google from tracking your location; it only stops the Maps app from saving or storing that information.
The word “incognito” might be an adverb that means avoiding being recognized, by changing your name or appearance, but in the world of the Internet, that doesn’t quite hold true. While using Incognito Mode, Google still recognises who you are. Your ISP does, too.
Don’t forget it: using Incognito mode only stops Google Maps from saving your search and location history; it doesn’t hide your identity or what you are searching for or where you are visiting. The keyword is “saving”. The app does not save the information.
If you really do not want to be tracked, you should stay away completely from modern smartphones, be they Android or iOS devices. Better still, go all the way and stay away completely from cell phones and anything connected to the Internet.