Google Photos stands as a widely-used cloud storage solution, seamlessly operating across both Android and iPhone platforms. Typically, the application is preset to automatically back up every photo from your phone’s gallery.
However, continuing with these default backup settings isn’t always desired. If you’re looking for How To Stop Photo Backup On Google, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the steps to regain control over your photo backups.
Why Should You Stop Google Photos Automatic Backup?
For a long time, Google Photos attracted users with its promise of unlimited storage for photos saved in “High Quality”. Only “Original Quality” backups counted against your 15GB Google account storage. Unfortunately, Google has revised this generous feature.
Since June 1, 2021, every photo you back up to Google Photos, regardless of quality, now counts towards your initial 15GB of free Google account storage. With automatic backup constantly running, this free storage can deplete much faster than anticipated.
Therefore, understanding how to turn off Google Photos backup becomes crucial. It allows you to selectively choose what gets backed up, giving you better management over your storage and data. Let’s explore exactly how to disable this feature in the following sections.
How to Stop Google Photos Backup on Android
If you’re an Android user wondering how to stop auto backup in Google Photos, you’ll be relieved to know it’s a straightforward process. Disabling the “Backup and Sync” option within the Google Photos app is all it takes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stop backing up photos to Google on your Android device:
Step 1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone. Locate and tap on your profile picture, usually found in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 2. From the menu that appears, select either “Manage Storage” or “Photo Settings“. The wording might slightly vary depending on your app version, but both options lead to the settings you need.
Step 3. In the settings menu, find and tap the “Back up and sync” option. This will open the backup settings. Simply toggle the switch to the “off” position to disable automatic backups.
Manage settings in Google Photos app on Android to stop backup
After completing these steps, Google Photos will cease to automatically back up your new photos. You can still view your photos within the Google Photos app, but they will only be stored locally on your Android phone.
How to Stop Google Photos Backup on iPhone
While iCloud is often the primary photo backup service for iPhone users, its 5GB of free storage is significantly less compared to Google Photos’ 15GB. This is why many iOS users still rely on Google Photos for backup.
However, managing this storage effectively means knowing how to stop Google Photos from backing up automatically. Here’s how to disable photo uploads to Google Photos on your iPhone:
Step 1. Launch the Google Photos application on your iPhone.
Step 2. Tap on your profile picture, located at the top-right corner, and then select the “Google Photos settings” option from the menu.
Step 3. On the settings screen, tap on “Backup and Sync” which is usually at the top of the list.
Step 4. To stop Google photo upload on your iPhone, simply toggle the “Backup and Sync” switch to the off position.
That’s it! You’ve successfully stopped the automatic backup of your photos to Google Photos from your iPhone. Remember, photos already backed up will remain in your Google Photos account. You have the option to delete them whenever you choose.
Read also: Google Photos Backup Stuck? Here’s How to Fix It
Bonus Tip: Exploring Alternative Backup Solutions
If you’re seeking a more versatile and user-friendly backup solution than Google Photos, consider exploring options like AirDroid Personal. This robust tool offers an easy way to back up your photos and videos directly to your PC.
AirDroid Personal provides flexible backup options, allowing you to initiate automatic backups or disable them with a single click. It ensures original quality backups, preserving the integrity of your photos during both backup and restore processes. Its intuitive interface and lightweight design make it a standout choice, even for users with less powerful computers.
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Key Features of AirDroid Personal
Here are some of the notable advantages of using AirDroid Personal for your backup needs:
- Fast Backup Speed: Provides a remarkably quick method for backing up photos and videos.
- Flexible Backup Options: Offers both manual and automatic backup modes to suit your preferences.
- Original Quality Backup: Guarantees no loss in photo or video quality during the backup process.
- High-Speed Transfer: Enables rapid data transfer between your smartphone and PC.
To start using AirDroid Personal for backups, follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Download and install AirDroid Personal on both your computer and your phone. Sign in to both apps using the same AirDroid account.
Step 2. Open the desktop application and click on the “Transfer” icon. Locate and click on your phone’s name listed under “My devices” to establish a connection between your devices.
Connect devices in AirDroid Personal for photo backup
Step 3. Navigate to the “Backup” tab within the AirDroid desktop app and click the “Backup” button to begin.
Step 4. Choose your desired backup folder and destination on your PC. Click “Done” to initiate the backup process. You can also enable the automatic backup feature in this step if desired.
Step 5. Allow the backup process to complete. Once finished, you can use the “Open Folder” option to access and view your backed-up files.
Final Remarks
This guide has covered everything you need to know about how to stop Google Photos backup on your smartphone. Disabling automatic backup is a simple process that gives you greater control over your 15GB of free Google storage.
For users seeking a more comprehensive backup solution, AirDroid Personal offers a robust alternative. It provides a centralized platform for data backup, file transfer, and phone management across various devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. Consider exploring the premium version to unlock even more advanced features.
FAQs About How to Stop Google Photos Backup
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about stopping Google Photos backup:
1. How do I stop photos from uploading in Google Photos?
To disable automatic photo uploads in Google Photos:
- Open the Google Photos app and tap your profile icon at the top.
- Go to “Photo settings” > “Backup and Sync” > and toggle the switch to the off position.
2. How do I unsync Google Photos on Android?
To unsync Google Photos on your Android device:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap your profile picture and select “Photo Settings.”
- Choose “Backup and Sync” and toggle it off.
3. If I delete photos from Google Photos, will they be deleted from my phone gallery?
No, deleting photos from Google Photos will not automatically delete them from your phone’s gallery, provided that you have disabled the backup and sync feature. However, if backup and sync is enabled, deleting photos from the Google Photos app may also remove them from your device. Be cautious and ensure backup is disabled if you only want to remove photos from the cloud.
