Google Street View now lets you ‘time travel’ on your phone. Here’s how

While the real-life Delorean can't go back to the future, Street View vehicles can take us to the past.

A tool that shows how places have changed over time has been used to assemble historial images captured by the cars.

The feature was only available on the desktop version of the Maps app.

"Street View is all about capturing the world as it changes, and it is also a powerful way to reminisce about the past," said the senior director of product management for Google Maps in a blogpost.

It is now easier than ever to travel back in time with your phone.

Here is how to use the tool.

1. Open Google Maps on your smartphone
2. Enter Street View.
3. Tap anywhere on the image to find information about the place.
4. Select “see more dates” and scroll through historical imagery of the location dating back to 2007. City streets could offer more than a dozen dates, while remote locations will have more limited options.
5. Browse through the photos to see a digital time capsule that shows how the place has changed.

The 15th anniversary of Street View was celebrated with the launch of the feature.

The upgraded mapping camera and Street View Studio are joining the celebrations.

To your next 15 years of exploration, crimefighting, and stalking, Happy birthday, Street View.