On iPhone
Make a Timeline route video on iPhone, no app required.
Most guides for this trend assume an Android phone and an APK download. On iPhone you need none of that. Your Google Maps app can export your Timeline, and this site runs in Safari, so you can go from location history to a finished video without installing a single thing. As with every path here, your file is read on your iPhone and never uploaded.
On your iPhone
- 1
Export from the Google Maps app
Open the Google Maps app, tap your profile picture, then go to Settings and Personal content. Tap Export Timeline data, and in the share sheet choose Save to Files so the JSON is saved where Safari can reach it.
- 2
Open the file in Safari
Open this site in Safari, tap to choose your file, and pick the exported location-history.json from Files. It opens straight into the tool, with parsing done on your iPhone.
- 3
Export and save your video
Style the route, pick a vertical canvas, then export. iOS saves an MP4 when your Safari supports it and otherwise a WebM. Use the share button to save the file or send it straight to an app.
Good to know on iOS
- Use a recent version of Safari for the best video recording support.
- Your file is read in the browser and never leaves your iPhone.
- If you get a WebM instead of an MP4, that is normal on some iOS versions and still plays and shares fine.
Questions people ask
Do I need an app or APK on iPhone?
No. You use the Google Maps app you already have to export, and this site in Safari to make the video. Nothing extra is installed.
Where does the finished video save?
It downloads to your iPhone, and you can use the share button to save it to Photos or send it to another app.
MP4 or WebM on iPhone?
iOS exports an MP4 when Safari supports it, and a WebM otherwise. Both play and upload to social apps.
Is my location data uploaded?
No. The file is read in Safari and used to draw the video on your iPhone; nothing is sent to a server.
On your iPhone now?
Open your Timeline file in Safari and make your route video.