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With Street View, you can see panoramic, street-level images of practically any place in the world. Captured by Google's fleet of specialized vehicles with high-resolution cameras, these images provide a virtual tour of neighborhoods, landmarks, and businesses. While Street View is incredibly useful and sometimes nostalgic, it does raise privacy concerns.
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Google tries to blur identifiable faces and license plates in Street View to prevent misuse, but your house will still appear clearly. If this visibility feels unsettling -- whether due to geospatial data privacy concerns, the desire to prevent criminal targeting, or maybe you just want to shield your property from unwelcome attention -- Google allows you to blur your home upon request. Here's how.
How to blur your house on Google Maps Street View
Google provides a quick process for requesting that your house, vehicle, or other object, or even your face, be blurred on Street View. Keep in mind that once blurred, the image cannot be reverted, so make your decision carefully.
If you're on your computer, drag the yellow "Pegman" icon onto your location to access Street View. If you're on a mobile device, just tap the Street View image associated with your address.
Now you need to actually report a problem with the Street View image you've pulled up.
On your computer, in the bottom-right corner of the Street View window, click the link labeled "Report a Problem." On a mobile device, you can scroll to the bottom-right corner and tap "Report a Problem."
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Google needs you to submit a form to request your house be blurred. The form is simple and allows you to adjust a red box to highlight your house or whatever it is you want to change in Street View.
Once you've done that, select "My home" or an option you prefer under the Request Blurring section. You can select "Face," for instance, if Google somehow didn't manage to blur your face outside your home one time.
Then, provide your email and submit the form. This process is the same on a computer and mobile device.
Google will review your request and may contact you for additional information or updates.
Why you should blur your house on Street View
Blurring your house on Street View isn't just about privacy -- it can also be about security, sensitivity, and controlling how your property is displayed online.
1. Protect your privacy
Detailed images of your home could make you feel exposed. By blurring your house, you reduce strangers' visibility of your property and reduce the risk of misuse by stalkers.
2. Avoid unwanted exposure
Street View has inadvertently captured sensitive or embarrassing moments in the past. For example, it once displayed a house on fire, which the residents later requested to be removed for privacy and sensitivity reasons. Blurring your house can prevent such incidents, too.
3. Prevent criminal targeting
This relates to the first point, but images of your home could give criminals a detailed view of your property layout and entry points. Blurring your home can add an extra layer of protection and potentially deter burglars.
4. Control your digital footprint
At the end of the day, your home is a personal space, and how it's displayed online should be your choice. Blurring your house lets you retain some control over how your property appears online and in Google Maps.
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What else can I blur in Street View?
In addition to homes, you can request Google to blur:
- Faces
- Vehicles and license plates
- Other objects, like business signs or personal items, were captured inadvertently
Can I undo the blurring once it's applied?
No, blurring is permanent. Once Google blurs an image, it cannot be reverted, so be sure you want the image hidden before making the request. A quick Google Search will show you that many people have posted in forums asking how to reverse this decision, including people who have since sold their home and feel guilty about it being blurred still, as well as people who run small businesses out of their home and can't understand why it isn't appearing on Street View now.
How long does Google take to process requests?
Google says it typically reviews requests promptly, though the time may vary depending on volume. When you provide your email address during the request, Google will update you on the progress.
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