Google Maps is Ditching Its “Follow” Feature—Not That You Were Using It Much Anyway

Google Maps is doing away with its Follow feature. Starting soon, you won’t be able to follow other users on the app, and no one will be able to follow you either. If you once had a stack of followers to brag about or kept tabs on interesting contributors, all that data is getting wiped. Don’t worry about lifting a finger, though—the change will kick in automatically by September 2025.

The good news? Your profile’s visibility stays the same. If it was public or restricted before, it’ll stay that way. Google says you can still connect with others through Local Guides Connect, a separate platform for contributors, and you’ll still be able to create and share place lists in Maps.

Let’s Be Real—Who Used the Follow Feature Anyway?

I’ll admit, I’m no Google Maps power user. My “0 followers” and “0 following” stats speak for themselves (and I’m pretty sure the app side-eyes me every time I open it). But hey, I’ve racked up 44 contribution points—enough to make me a Level 2 Local Guide, thank you very much. A photo of that killer chicken suya spot here, a random two-star review there… it adds up.

Lucky for me, Google’s about to erase my “no followers” shame for good by nixing the Follow feature. They dropped the news in a support article, clarifying that the whole thing will happen automatically—no action required on your part.

If you’re scratching your head wondering what the Follow feature even was, think of it like any other social platform: You could follow local guides, food critics, or super-active mappers whose recommendations you liked. Their reviews and posts would pop up in your feed, helping you find new spots based on people you trusted.

Curious to check who you were following (or who was following you) before it’s gone? Open the Google Maps app, tap your profile pic in the top right, hit “Your Profile,” then select “Following” or “Followers” to see your connections.

Stay Connected (Sort Of) with Local Guides Connect

The Follow feature on Maps was basically Instagram for map geeks—but clearly, not enough people cared. It’s no surprise Google’s pulling the plug. If you want to keep in touch with fellow contributors, Local Guides Connect is where it’s at.

Local Guides Connect is Google’s official community hub for Maps contributors (aka Local Guides). It’s a web-based space where you can swap tips about your Maps posts, ask other guides for advice, join global challenges, dive into themed discussions, and get updates straight from the Google Maps team.

Even though it’s linked to your Maps activity, Local Guides Connect is its own thing—more chatty, less feed-focused. You’ll need to log in with the same Google account you use for Maps, but if you haven’t joined yet, just head to localguidesconnect.com to get started.