Whenever you use Google Maps to search for a restaurant, navigate to a medical clinic, or browse locations in a different city, Google records that activity and permanently ties it to your Google Account. This data is used to populate your location history, personalize advertisements, and suggest similar destinations in the future.
If you want to navigate to a sensitive location (such as a job interview) or search for a surprise gift without Google logging the activity or leaving a trace in your recent searches, you should use the Google Maps Incognito Mode.
How Incognito Mode Works in Google Maps
When Incognito Mode is active, Google Maps behaves as if you are completely logged out of your account. Specifically, the app will:
- Stop saving your search history and navigation queries.
- Stop updating your Google Location History (the “Timeline” feature).
- Stop using your current activity to personalize your Maps experience.
However, it is crucial to understand that Incognito Mode does not make you invisible to your internet service provider (ISP), your cellular carrier, or the administrators of the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
How to Turn On Incognito Mode
This feature is available on both the iOS and Android versions of the Google Maps application.
- Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap your Profile Picture (or initial) in the top-right corner of the screen next to the search bar.
- In the menu that appears, tap on Turn on Incognito mode (it is usually the first option below your Google Account settings).
The app will reload for a brief second. You will know the mode is active because your profile picture in the top-right corner will be replaced by the dark grey Incognito icon (the hat and glasses). Additionally, a black banner reading “Incognito mode is on” will appear briefly at the top of the screen.
How to Turn Off Incognito Mode
Once you are finished navigating privately, you must manually disable the feature to restore access to your saved places, commute preferences, and personalized recommendations.
- Tap the dark grey Incognito icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap Turn off Incognito mode.
The app will refresh, your profile picture will return, and Google Maps will resume logging your navigation data to your account.