Google Maps is dialing back some of its social ambitions. Starting September 2025, the app will officially remove its follow feature, meaning users will no longer be able to follow each other within the app. 
The update will roll out automatically-no action needed on your part.
In a recent community announcement, Google confirmed that while the follow counts will disappear, public profiles will remain visible. That means others can still see your reviews, photos, and contributions, but you won’t have to manage followers or worry about privacy settings related to them.
Those who still enjoy sharing and discovering places socially aren’t completely left in the dust. Google recommends using the Local Guides Connect platform, which still offers community features like discussions and local meetups.
One popular element that’s here to stay is Lists. This feature allows users to save places, add notes, and collaborate with friends-all without needing to “follow” each other. So if you’ve built collections like “Best Sushi in NYC” or “Road Trip Stops,” you can keep using and sharing them just as before.
If you want to preserve info about your current followers before it’s deleted, now’s the time. You can still view your followers and who you follow by navigating:
- Open Google Maps
- Tap your profile picture or initial
- Select “Your Profile”
- Tap “Followers” or “Following”
Interestingly, this move isn’t entirely unexpected. Last month, a teardown of the app hinted at the removal of the Followed Places feature as well, signaling a broader shift away from social networking in Google Maps.
While some users may mourn the loss, many others never used the feature to begin with. Lists, not follows, remain the social heartbeat of Google Maps.