What deleting Google Maps actually means

Deleting Google Maps means removing the app from your phone or tablet so it no longer takes up storage space and no longer appears in your app list. On Android phones, you can uninstall it completely. On iPhones, you can only remove it from your home screen — Apple keeps a version of Maps built into the system that you cannot fully delete, but you can hide the Google Maps app you downloaded.

The confusion usually comes from the difference between the app itself and your Google account data. Removing the app does not delete your saved places, your search history, or your location data from Google's servers. Those live separately in your Google account. If you want those gone too, that requires a different step.

This guide covers removing the app from your device. If you want to erase your Maps history and saved locations, that happens in your Google account settings, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • On Android, you can fully uninstall Google Maps by opening Settings, finding Apps, selecting Google Maps, and tapping Uninstall.
  • On iPhone, you can delete the Google Maps app from your home screen, but a system version remains — you cannot fully remove it.
  • Deleting the app does not erase your saved places or search history; those stay in your Google account until you delete them separately.
  • To remove your Maps history and saved locations, go to myactivity.google.com, select Maps, and delete the items you want gone.
  • You can reinstall Google Maps anytime from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone) if you change your mind.

How to delete Google Maps on Android

On most Android phones, Google Maps comes pre-installed, but you can remove it. Open Settings on your phone. Scroll down and tap Apps (sometimes called process Manager or Manage Apps depending on your phone brand). Look for Google Maps in the list and tap it.

You will see an Uninstall button near the top of the screen. Tap it. Your phone will ask you to confirm — tap OK or Uninstall again. The app will disappear from your phone within seconds. If the Uninstall button is grayed out, your phone manufacturer has locked the app and you cannot remove it, though you can still hide it from your home screen by long-pressing the icon and selecting Remove from Home Screen.

How to delete Google Maps on iPhone

iPhone does not let you fully uninstall Google Maps because Apple's own Maps app is built into the system. However, you can remove the Google Maps app you downloaded. Find the Google Maps icon on your home screen, then press and hold it for about two seconds until a menu appears.

Tap Remove App, then tap Remove from Home Screen. The icon disappears, but the app still exists on your phone taking up a small amount of storage. To fully delete it, tap and hold the icon again, select Remove App, then choose Delete App. Confirm by tapping Delete. The app is now gone, though you can reinstall it anytime from the App Store.

Clearing your Maps history and saved places

Removing the app does not touch your saved locations or search history. Those live in your Google account, separate from the app itself. To delete them, go to myactivity.google.com on any web browser or open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture, then select Your data in Maps.

You will see your search history and saved places. You can delete individual items by clicking the trash icon next to each one, or delete everything at once. To delete all at once, look for a menu option (usually three dots) and select Delete all. Google will ask you to confirm. Once deleted, these items are gone from your account, though Google may keep copies for a period of time for legal reasons.

If you want to stop Google from recording your future Maps activity, go to myactivity.google.com, tap Web & App Activity, and toggle it off. This stops Google from logging where you search for or navigate to, though it does not delete what was already recorded.

What happens to your data when you delete the app

Deleting Google Maps from your device does not delete anything from Google's servers. Your saved places, your search history, and your location timeline (if you have Location History turned on) all remain in your Google account. If you reinstall the app later, you will see all your old saved places and history again.

If you want those gone, you must delete them separately through your Google account settings. The app deletion and the data deletion are two separate actions. Many people delete the app thinking it clears their history, then are surprised to find it all still there if they reinstall the app months later.

Reinstalling Google Maps if you change your mind

If you delete Google Maps and later want it back, reinstalling is straightforward. On Android, open the Google Play Store, search for Google Maps, and tap Install. On iPhone, open the App Store, search for Google Maps, and tap the cloud icon to read it. The app will reinstall within a minute or two, and your saved places and history will be there waiting for you (unless you deleted them separately).

There is no cost to reinstall — Google Maps is free. You do not need to sign in again if you are already signed into your Google account on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting Google Maps stop Google from tracking my location?

No. Deleting the app does not stop Google from tracking your location if you have Location History turned on in your Google account settings. To stop location tracking, go to myactivity.google.com, find Location History, and turn it off. The app deletion and location tracking are separate.

Can I delete Google Maps on a work phone or school device?

It depends on who manages your device. If your employer or school has set up device management, they may have locked Google Maps so you cannot uninstall it. Try following the steps above — if the Uninstall button is grayed out, contact your IT department or device administrator.

Does deleting Google Maps free up a lot of storage space?

Not usually. Google Maps is typically 100 to 200 megabytes, which is small compared to photos, videos, or other large apps. If you are trying to free up significant storage, deleting Maps alone will not help much. Deleting photos, videos, or large games will have a bigger impact.

What is the difference between deleting the app and clearing the cache?

Clearing the cache removes temporary files the app created but keeps the app itself installed. Deleting the app removes the entire program. Clearing cache frees up less space but keeps the app working. Deleting the app frees up more space but removes it completely.

If I delete Google Maps, can I still use Google Maps on my computer?

Yes. Google Maps on your computer is a separate service that runs in your web browser. Deleting the app from your phone does not affect maps.google.com on your computer. You can still use it anytime by visiting the website.