No, when Incognito mode is active in Google Maps, it automatically pauses any ongoing location sharing from that device, meaning others cannot see your real-time location.
Understanding Incognito Mode in Google Maps
Incognito mode in Google Maps is designed to provide a more private browsing experience within the application on your device. When activated, it primarily prevents your activity from being saved to your Google Account. This means that searches, navigation history, and other location-related data generated during that session will not appear in your Location History.
Key Features of Incognito Mode:
- Pauses Location Sharing: Crucially, if you were actively sharing your real-time location with someone through Google Maps, activating Incognito mode will pause that device's location sharing. This ensures that the individuals you were sharing with will temporarily lose visibility of your location until Incognito mode is deactivated.
- No Search History Saved: Your searches within Incognito mode are not saved to your Google Account or device history.
- No Navigation History Saved: Your navigation routes and destinations will not be recorded in your Google Account's Location History or Web & App Activity.
- Personalized Recommendations Paused: Your activity during Incognito mode will not influence personalized recommendations, such as restaurant suggestions or frequented places.
What Incognito Mode Does NOT Do
While Incognito mode offers enhanced privacy within the Google Maps app, it's important to understand its limitations:
- Does Not Hide Your IP Address: Incognito mode does not mask your IP address from your internet service provider (ISP), the websites you visit, or the apps you use.
- Does Not Prevent Location Tracking by Other Apps: Other applications on your device that have location permissions can still access your device's location.
- Does Not Stop Google from Collecting Anonymous Data: Google may still collect anonymized usage data to improve its services.
- Does Not Affect Location Services Settings: Your device's system-wide location services settings remain active. Incognito mode only affects how Google Maps itself uses and saves your activity data.
Impact on Location Sharing
| Feature | Regular Google Maps Mode | Google Maps Incognito Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Location History | Your movements are typically saved to your Google Account's Location History (if enabled). | Data generated from the specific device will not show up in your Location History. |
| Location Sharing | If enabled, others can see your real-time location as long as sharing is active. | Location sharing from that device is automatically paused, preventing others from seeing you. |
| Search History | Your searches are saved and influence recommendations. | Searches are not saved to your Google Account. |
| Navigation History | Your routes and destinations are saved. | Your navigation data is not saved. |
| Personalized Content | Personalized recommendations (e.g., places to visit) are based on your activity. | Activity during this mode does not influence personalized recommendations. |
Practical Insight: If you use Google Maps for navigation and wish to temporarily prevent others from seeing your journey, activating Incognito mode is an effective way to pause any existing location sharing without needing to manually stop and restart it. Remember to turn off Incognito mode when you wish to resume sharing your location or save your activity.
For more information on Google Maps' privacy features, you can refer to official Google Maps Help resources.
