May 13, 2025, 9:31 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The iPhone keeps a precise record of where users have been. It stores this information in a hidden list—complete with timestamps and maps. TECHBOOK explains where to find it.
Whether you have GPS on or are just connected to the mobile network and logging into Wi-Fi networks, the iPhone always knows where users are thanks to location data. But that’s not all. It even meticulously keeps a list of when you visit and leave a place. This overview is hidden deep in the iPhone settings.
TECHBOOK editor Adrian Mühlroth tried it himself. In just the past three months, his personal iPhone created a total of 237 map entries. With our guide, you can find out what your iPhone has collected about you.
How to Find the Significant Locations Map on Your iPhone
1. Open Settings on your iPhone and scroll to Privacy & Security.
2. In the Privacy menu, tap on Location Services.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap on System Services.
4. Here you will find the option Significant Locations. Select it. Unlocking with Face ID or Touch ID is required here.
5. Under Significant Locations, you will now find the latest entries with a timestamp—if the locations were recorded by the phone. Tap on an entry to see the location on the map. The iPhone automatically recognizes where you have been, such as a restaurant, store, or museum.
Also interesting: Have you discovered the hidden calculator on the iPhone?
Overview Limited Since iOS 17
In earlier iOS versions, the Significant Locations map displayed an overview of all places visited in the past three months. These were grouped into towns where smaller locations like restaurants, hotels, and stores could be found on a map.
Now, the overview only shows the latest location entries, each with a location on the map and a timestamp. A large overview map for each town is no longer available. Users also cannot easily access all places visited in recent months. This is only possible with a trick.
To find older entries, users must go to Settings under General > Date & Time and disable the Set Automatically option. They can then set a specific date. In the Significant Locations overview, the visited locations for that day will appear as entries.
You definitely didn’t know this iPhone Wallet hack yet
Update for Google Maps! Users Must Act to Keep Their Data
iOS 17.6.1 is here! Should you install the iPhone update straight away?
How Useful Is the Hidden iPhone Map?
According to the Apple support page, Significant Locations data is used to personalize location-based services. For example, they help with predictive traffic routing in Apple Maps and enhance the design of memories in the Photos app.
However, from a privacy perspective, tracking significant locations is not without concerns. Practically anyone can easily recognize a movement pattern from the history and map, revealing where you live and work. Therefore, Significant Locations data is additionally protected with Face ID or Touch ID, beyond the iPhone lock. If that’s not enough for you, you can also completely disable the Significant Locations option, delete the history, and be on the safe side.