A Google Timeline alternative that starts with your photos
One Where is a free iPhone app that rebuilds a map of where you've been from the photos already in your library — no location tracking required. Google Timeline's web version was discontinued in December 2024, and Timeline data now lives only on a single phone. One Where takes the opposite approach: it reads the location already stored in your photos and turns years of past trips into a personal map, with all analysis running on your device and your photo library never uploaded.
What happened to Google Timeline
Google Timeline has moved from the web to on-device storage in the Google Maps mobile app. Google’s current documentation does not establish December 2024 as a universal cutoff date. Timeline is device-based, but it is not limited to one phone: optional encrypted backups on Google’s servers can be restored to another device. Without a backup, deleted device history cannot be recovered. Export is still available through device settings on Android; it is not the former web Timeline experience. See Google’s Timeline overview and backup and export instructions.
How One Where is different
| Feature | One Where | Google Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Data source | Your photo library | Phone location history |
| Works retroactively on past trips | Yes — from existing photos | Only where location history exists |
| Needs background location tracking | No | Yes — for automatic history |
| Platform | iPhone | Android & iPhone, on-device only |
| Your data | Analyzed on-device, library not uploaded | Stored on your device; optional encrypted backup on Google’s servers |
| Price | Free | Free |
Who this is not for
- People who need minute-by-minute routes and timestamps. One Where reconstructs places from photos; it does not record routes.
- Android users. There is no Android, web, or Mac version of One Where.
- People whose photos have no location data. Enable location services for the Camera app going forward to save locations with new photos.
FAQ
Can One Where import my Google Timeline history?
No. One Where doesn't import Timeline or Takeout data. Instead, it rebuilds your map from the location data already stored in your photos — for most people this covers the same trips, going back as far as their photo library does.
Do I need to have tracked my trips?
No. One Where works retroactively on photos you already have. There is nothing to set up before a trip.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Analysis runs on your iPhone and your library stays on your device. Only places and photos you explicitly choose to share are uploaded.
How much does it cost?
One Where is free on the App Store, with no in-app purchases.
What if my photos don't have location data?
Photos without location can't be placed on the map. Most iPhone photos taken with location services on for the Camera app do include it.