We often hear the concept of a “time machine” in various stories, especially in the science fiction genre. Surprisingly, Google has its own version of a “time machine.”

This feature isn’t a literal time-travel device but rather a service that allows users to view how a particular location looked at specific points in time. Users can access this functionality through Google Street View.

Street View works by capturing images of streets using cars equipped with special cameras. This means that everything along those routes—such as buildings, vehicles, and even people passing by—gets recorded and displayed on the platform.

You might even spot your family, friends, or someone who has since passed away in familiar places if they happened to be captured by the Street View camera at that moment.

As of May 2022, Google has collected over 220 billion images from more than 100 countries, meaning that countless streets around the world are viewable through this platform.

With Street View, you can “travel back in time” by selecting the desired year or time period. The feature is accessible through the Google Maps app or directly via a web browser.

How to Use Google Street View on a Computer

Follow these steps to explore the past using Google Street View on your PC or laptop:

1. Type the location you want to view in the search bar.

2. Click on the Pegman icon — the orange human-shaped figure at the bottom-right corner of the map.

3. Click and drag Pegman onto the area or street you wish to view.

4. Drop Pegman on the blue lines, dashed blue lines, or dashed orange lines that represent available Street View paths.

5. Click “See more dates” in the box at the top-left of the screen.

6. After clicking, you’ll see available photos from different years displayed at the bottom of the screen.

How to Use Google Street View on a Smartphone

You can also use Street View directly from your smartphone. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Maps app.

2. Tap the Layers icon located at the top-right corner of the map.

3. Select Street View, then close the menu by tapping X.

4. Tap one of the blue lines on the map to view the area.

5. Tap “See more dates” at the bottom (note: some locations may not have this option).

6. Choose the desired year of the Street View image you want to explore.