← Back to all guidesGoogle probably holds more of your personal history than any other company: search history, location data, YouTube activity, Gmail metadata, files, photos, and more. Google Takeout lets you export that data into an archive you can store yourself.
What Google stores
The exact mix depends on which Google products you use, but many people are surprised by how broad it is.
- <a href="/guides/what-data-does-google-collect">Search history and activity records</a>
- Location Timeline and Maps-related history
- YouTube watch history and search history
- Voice and Audio Activity — Assistant commands, voice searches
- Chrome browsing history and tab groups
- Android usage — app opens, screen time, battery stats
- Google Maps navigation history and starred places
How Google Takeout works
Google Takeout lets you choose which products to include, where the export should go, which archive format to use, and the maximum archive size.
You can send yourself a download link by email or export directly to Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box.
- Delivery methods include email, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Box
- Export type can be one-time or scheduled every 2 months for one year
- Archive format can be ZIP or TGZ
- If your export is larger than the size you choose, Google splits it into multiple files
Step-by-step
- Sign in to your Google Account and open Google Takeout at takeout.google.com.
- Click "Deselect all" first and then turn on only the products you care about.
- For large accounts, avoid exporting everything at once unless you really need it.
- Click "Next step."
- Choose the delivery method and export type.
- Pick ZIP for maximum compatibility.
- Choose the maximum archive size.
- Click "Create export" and wait for the archive.
- When the email arrives, download every archive part before it expires.
How long it takes
Google says the process can take from a few minutes to a few days, depending on how much data is in your account.
Important limits and gotchas
- Downloading your data does not delete it from Google
- Archives expire in about 7 days
- Each archive can only be downloaded a limited number of times
- If an export fails, try a smaller export or fewer products
What to do after downloading
Think of the download as the start, not the finish. Read the backup guide to understand how to store your archive safely.
- Create a folder named with the service and date, like "google-2026-04"
- Keep one copy on your computer or an external SSD
- Store a second copy off-site in a cloud backup you control
Quick version
If you want the short checklist instead of the full guide, use the service page.
FAQ
Does downloading my Google data delete it from Google?
No. Exporting your data does not delete it from Google. Export and deletion are separate actions.
How long does Google Takeout take?
It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the amount of data in your account.
Why is my export split into multiple files?
Google splits archives when your export is larger than the maximum archive size you selected.
How long do I have to download the archive?
Google says the archive expires in about 7 days, so download it promptly.