How to blur your home on Google Maps

Have you ever searched for your home address on Google Maps? If so, you probably know the strange feeling of knowing that other people can find a close-up photograph of your house so quickly. You are not alone if you feel uncomfortable having your house on Google Maps. There are safety and home security concerns associated with having images of your home displayed on the platform.

Fortunately, there is a solution that can help. By choosing to blur your home on Google Maps or hide your house on Google Street View, you can ensure that you and your family enjoy the privacy you deserve.

Why You Should Blur Your Home on Google Maps

Privacy is one reason why blurring your home on Google Maps is a good idea. The primary reason it is wise to do so is that burglars or stalkers can quickly check out your home online and track a pathway inside. Since Google Maps offers a close-up look at your home, it is easy for people to understand your home’s layout and figure out how to invade your privacy and get into your home.

Therefore, many families choose to blur their homes on Google Maps for safety reasons. If you have children, keeping your home safe is especially important, as you do not want any criminals breaking into your home when your children are there. You can also remove your home from Google Maps if you have many valuables or antiques inside.

Regardless of who or what you are trying to protect, removing the image of your home from Google Maps is a solid idea for privacy reasons, and doing so can provide a greater sense of security.

How to Blur Your Home on Google Maps

Now that you know why you may decide to blur your home on Google Maps, here is how you can do so.

1. Open Google Maps on your computer, not your smartphone.Unfortunately, this process does not work on smartphone apps and can be complicated to complete via a web browser on your phone, so make sure you use a laptop or desktop PC.
2. Search for your home address.Most likely, a photo of your home will appear. Click on that photo. From there, you should see the street view of your home address.
3. Click on “Report a problem.”You will find this in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
4. Select what you want Google to blur.A red and black box should appear on your screen, so make sure anything that you do not want to appear falls within that box. Include your home and anything else that you do not want on the internet, such as a detached garage. You can use the buttons on the side to zoom in and out to make this process easy.
5. Select what you are requesting Google blur.Choose what applies. Google will also ask that you provide more details about what exactly is in the picture you wish to blur. Be as specific as possible, and remember, once something is removed, it is permanent.
6. Enter your email address and complete the captcha.Then submit, and you are done.

You should find an email in your inbox from Google stating that it will review your request and keep you updated when it is accepted or denied. Google may also email you asking for more information, so check your inbox periodically to make sure you receive further communication.

Once you receive an update that your request has been approved, you will feel more secure knowing that your home is not findable on Google Maps.