One of the most common concerns is how visible our homes are on online platforms. For many, the idea that their house is easily viewable on Google Maps, particularly in Street View, is unsettling. Fortunately, Google offers a way to address these concerns.
If you’re looking to remove your house from Google Maps, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps.
Why consider removing your house from Google Maps?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why someone might want to remove their house from Google Maps. Privacy is a major concern.
Whether you’re worried about potential security risks or just prefer not to have your home displayed for all to see, removing or blurring your home on Google Maps is a valid precaution. Additionally, some may feel uncomfortable with how detailed Street View images can be, sometimes capturing cars, personal items, or even people in front of their homes.
Steps to remove your house from Google Maps
If you’ve decided to proceed with removing your house, the process is fairly straightforward, but it requires a few steps. Here’s how you can do it:
1.Accessing Google Maps Street View
Begin by opening Google Maps in your web browser. Enter your address in the search bar and hit enter.
Once your location appears, drag the small yellow figure (known as Pegman) from the bottom right corner of the screen onto the street in front of your house. This will activate Street View mode.
2.Locate your house in Street View
Use the arrows on the screen to navigate and find the exact view of your house that you want to remove or blur. It’s essential to get the correct angle and location before proceeding.
3.Report a problem
In the bottom right corner of the screen, you’ll see an option labeled “Report a problem.” Click on it to initiate the process. This will open a new window where you can report the image that you want to be blurred or removed.
4.Fill out the form
Google will ask you to fill out a form detailing the issue. In this case, you should select “My home” under the “Request blurring” section.
Google may also ask you to provide additional details to ensure the correct part of the image is blurred or removed. Be as specific as possible to avoid any errors.
5.Submit your request
After you’ve completed the form, double-check all your details and then submit the request. Google will review the information, and if they determine that your request is valid, they will take action. This process can take several weeks, so patience is necessary.
6.Follow up if necessary
If, after some time, you don’t see any changes, it might be worth following up. You can do this by submitting another report a problem request or by contacting Google support directly.
What happens after you report a problem?
Once you’ve successfully submitted your request to remove your house from Google Maps, Google will review it. If approved, your home will be blurred in Street View images, which effectively removes it from being easily recognizable. However, it’s important to note that this action is permanent; once Google blurs your house, it cannot be unblurred. This ensures that your privacy is respected in the long term.
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