Who can see my map?
| Setting | Who can read it | Who can change it |
|---|---|---|
| Private (the default) | Only you | Only you |
| Invited by email | You, and each person you invited, once they sign in at the address you invited | Only you |
| Public link on | Anyone who has the link, with no account needed | Only you |
This page explains sharing. For what Here My Story collects, which companies handle it and how to have your data exported or deleted, read the privacy policy.
What happens when I invite someone by email?
They get an email with a link to your map. To open it they sign in with a free Here My Story account at the same email address you invited. The invitation is tied to that address, so if the email is forwarded to someone else, the link won't open your map for them.
You can see the list of people you've invited in "Share map" and remove any of them at any time. They lose access when you do.
What does the public link do?
Switching your map to public lets anyone who has its link open it in a browser without signing in. They can see every pin, story and photo on the map. Here My Story asks you to confirm before it makes a map public, and you can switch it back to private whenever you like.
A link you post in public can be passed on by anyone who sees it. If you want a map that only certain people can read, use email invitations.
What about stories marked "Only readable at this place"?
For a story with that switch on, people viewing your map see only a locked pin showing where it is. Its title, words, date and photo stay hidden until their device reports that they are within about 200 meters of the pin. This relies on the viewer's own device, so treat it as a way to save a story for the right moment, not as security. More on location-locked stories.
Can anyone else change my map?
No. Only the owner of a map can add, edit, move or delete its stories. People you invite, and people with a public link, can only read.
What can viewers see about me?
People who can view your map see the name you gave and your profile picture if you added one, along with the pins, stories, dates and photos on the map. They never see your email address.
How are photos kept?
Photos are held in private storage, not at public web addresses. A photo is shown only to people who are allowed to see the map it belongs to, through a temporary link that expires.
What should I check before making a map public?
- Your current home. A pin shows an exact spot. You may want to leave your present address off a public map.
- Other people. Your stories include family and friends. Consider whether they would be comfortable with strangers reading them.
- Children. Think twice about pins that show where a child lives or goes to school now.
- Mixed maps. A public link shows the whole map. If you want to share some memories publicly and keep others private, use a separate account with another email address for the public map.
Common questions
Is Here My Story private?
Yes, by default. A map can be seen only by its owner unless the owner invites specific people by email or switches on a public link. Only the owner can change it.
Can I make my map private again after sharing it?
Yes. Switch the public setting off and the link stops working for other people. You can also remove anyone you invited by email.
Can people I share with see my email address?
No. Viewers see your name and profile picture. Email addresses are not shown to anyone.