As someone who moves around quite a bit, Google Maps has always been my not-so-silent co-pilot. And while I don’t always contribute to Maps, I’ve managed to hit Level 5 as a Local Guide (humble brag). Every now and then, I also enjoy checking out recommendations from other explorers like me, that’s where the Follow feature came in.
But now, Google is pulling the plug on that feature.
According to a recent update on Google’s support page, starting September 2025, the ability to follow other Google Maps contributors or have followers on your profile will officially disappear. Just like that.
“All data related to your followers and who you follow will be deleted after the feature is removed,” Google notes.
The feature, which once allowed users to follow Local Guides and see their reviews, photos, and lists on their Maps feed, was especially helpful if you found someone with similar tastes. You could follow foodies, adventure seekers, or even hidden gem hunters, and get curated recommendations without wading through random reviews. It was like having your own travel-savvy inner circle.
For folks like me who enjoyed that low-key social layer on Google Maps, it’s a bit of a bummer. But hey, not all is lost. Google says you can still control your profile visibility and continue making or exploring lists of cool places. Plus, for more community vibes, there’s always Local Guides Connect, Google’s official forum for contributors.
No action is needed from your side. Google will sunset the feature and delete related data automatically.
Still, it’s the end of a quiet, useful era. So, if you’ve ever followed someone who always knew where the best nyama choma joints are, better take a last look before September rolls around.
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