Google Maps throws "encrypted data locked" error when accessing backed up timeline? Here's what you need to know

Google Maps users are running into a frustrating problem. Many are seeing an “encrypted data locked” error when trying to access their timeline backups on new devices. This issue often pops up after changing a Google account password, leaving people unable to retrieve their location history.

What’s happening

The timeline feature in Google Maps tracks where you’ve been, storing your location history. It used to save this data in the cloud, making it easy to access across devices. But now, Google has shifted to device-only storage. This change means your timeline data is encrypted and tied to the specific device it was recorded on.

If you get a new phone or change your Google account password, that data can become locked. Users like Adam1402 have reported, “Since getting a new phone I just get ‘your encrypted data is locked on this device’ when trying to get timeline backed up. So I can’t actually turn my backup on, or export my old timeline data.”

Here’s a screenshot of the page you might see:

Why is this happening

The problem seems to stem from how the data is encrypted. When you change your Google account password, the encryption key or authentication linked to your timeline might not sync properly to a new device. Without the old device or the original password, the backup becomes inaccessible. One user, User 13975821510575274503, said, “Changed my phone, did not keep the old one, changed my password…. bam – encrypted timeline.” Google doesn’t allow reusing old passwords for 12 months, so switching back isn’t an option for most.

How widespread is it?

This isn’t just one person’s headache. Dozens of users have shared similar stories on the Google Maps community forum. Many are upset about losing years of location history. Adam1402 added, “I’m amazed that such a seemingly widespread issue isn’t being addressed, especially given that it is part of one of Google’s core services.” So far, Google hasn’t offered an official fix or statement, leaving users to figure it out on their own.

What can you do?

Here are a few steps to consider if you’re stuck with this error:

• Check your old device: If you still have your old phone, try exporting the timeline data from there. Go to the Google Maps app, tap your profile picture, then Settings > Personal Content > Export Timeline Data. You can’t import this into a new device’s Google Maps, but you’ll have a copy to use elsewhere.
• Use a second account: A Diamond Product Expert, cfanatic, suggests logging into Google Maps with a second Google account. Set it up to track your timeline and don’t change its password. This lets you keep using the feature without risking locked data.
• Avoid password changes: If you rely on timeline backups, think twice before updating your Google account password. It’s a key trigger for this issue.

Conclusion

For now, there’s no clear fix from Google. Some hope the company will address it eventually, but no timeline exists. If you’ve lost access and don’t have your old device, your backed-up data might stay locked. It’s a tough spot, especially since Google encourages regular password changes for security — yet doing so can break this feature.

Until Google steps in, users are left with workarounds or the risk of losing cherished location memories. Since the company hasn’t acknowledged the problem despite the growing number of reports, it’s unclear if we’ll see a fix any time soon.