How to Change Google Photos 'Backup & Sync' Settings on an Android Phone?

Google Photos is a powerful tool for storing and organizing your photos and videos. By default, Google Photos automatically backs up your media files and syncs them across your devices.

However, there might be instances when you want to change the backup and sync settings on your Android phone.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of modifying the 'Backup & Sync' settings in Google Photos.

Google Photos has become a popular choice for Android users to store their precious memories.

Its 'Backup & Sync' feature ensures that your photos and videos are securely stored in the cloud, making them accessible from any device.

But there are situations where you may need to customize these settings according to your preferences.

Understanding Google Photos 'Backup & Sync'

Before we delve into the steps of changing the 'Backup & Sync' settings, it's essential to understand what it entails.

When you enable 'Backup & Sync' in Google Photos, it automatically uploads your media files to your Google account. This allows you to access them from any device, as long as you have an internet connection.

Why Change the Backup & Sync Settings

There are several reasons why you might want to change the backup and sync settings on your Android phone. Some common scenarios include:

1. Limited storage space: If your device has limited storage, you may want to adjust the settings to optimize space usage.
2. Slow internet connection: If you're on a slow internet connection, you can modify the settings to reduce the impact on your network bandwidth.
3. Selective backup: You might prefer to back up only specific folders or types of media to conserve storage space.
4. Privacy concerns: Adjusting the backup and sync settings can help you control what content gets uploaded to the cloud and enhance your privacy.

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of changing the 'Backup & Sync' settings on your Android phone.

Step 1: Open Google Photos on Your Android Phone

To begin, locate the Google Photos app on your Android phone's home screen or app drawer. Tap on the app icon to launch it.

Step 2: Access the Settings Menu

In the Google Photos app, you need to access the settings menu. To do this, tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) located at the top-left or top-right corner of the app's interface. This will open a side menu with various options.

Step 3: Navigate to 'Backup & Sync' Settings

Within the side menu, scroll down and find the "Settings" option. Tap on it to open the Google Photos settings page. Here, you'll find a list of different settings related to Google Photos.

Look for the "Backup & Sync" option and tap on it to proceed to the backup and sync settings.

Step 4: Modify Backup & Sync Settings

Once you're in the 'Backup & Sync' settings menu, you'll see several options that you can customize according to your needs. Let's explore some of the common modifications you can make:

Option 1: Turn Off Backup & Sync

If you want to completely disable the backup and sync feature, toggle the switch next to "Backup & Sync" to the off position. This will stop Google Photos from automatically uploading and syncing your media files.

Option 2: Change the Upload Size

By default, Google Photos offers two options for the upload size: "High quality" and "Original quality." If you're concerned about storage space, selecting "High quality" will compress your photos and videos without significantly compromising their quality.

However, if you prefer to maintain the original resolution, choose "Original quality" (Note: this may consume more storage).

Option 3: Select Folders to Back Up

If you have specific folders on your device that you want to back up, tap on the "Back up device folders" option. You'll be presented with a list of folders; select the ones you wish to include in the backup.

Option 4: Change Backup & Sync Preferences

Under the 'Backup & Sync' settings, you'll find additional preferences that you can modify, such as whether to back up videos, whether to use cellular data for backup, and more. Adjust these settings based on your requirements.

Step 5: Save the Changes

After making the necessary modifications to the 'Backup & Sync' settings, remember to save your changes. Look for a "Save" or "Done" button (the specific wording may vary depending on your Android phone's interface). Tap on it to confirm and save your new settings.

Quick Tip to ensure your Photos & Videos never go missing

Photos and videos are precious memories and all of us never want to ever lose them to hard disk crashes or missing drives.

PicBackMan (FREE) is the easiest and simplest way to keep your photos & videos safely backed up in one or more online accounts.

Tips for Optimizing Google Photos Backup & Sync

• Regularly review and manage your backup settings to ensure they align with your preferences and available resources.
• Consider deleting media files from your device after they have been backed up to free up storage space.
• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to back up your photos and videos, especially if you have limited cellular data.

Conclusion

Changing the 'Backup & Sync' settings in Google Photos can offer you more control over how your media files are stored and synced across devices.

Whether you want to conserve storage space, adjust upload sizes, or selectively back up folders, following the step-by-step process outlined in this article will help you achieve your desired settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change my Google backup and sync settings?

To change your Google backup and sync settings, open Google Photos on your device, go to the Settings menu, and navigate to the "Backup & Sync" option. From there, you can modify various settings such as upload size, folder selection, and preferences.

How do I stop my Android photos from syncing to Google Photos?

To stop your Android photos from syncing to Google Photos, you can disable the "Backup & Sync" feature in the Google Photos settings. This will prevent automatic uploading and syncing of your photos and videos.

What is the difference between Google Drive and Backup and sync?

Google Drive is a cloud storage service that allows you to store and access various types of files, including documents, photos, and videos. Backup and sync, on the other hand, is a feature within Google Photos that specifically focuses on backing up and syncing your photos and videos across devices.

What is the difference between sync with Google Drive and back up to Google Photos?

Syncing with Google Drive refers to the ability to access and synchronize files between your device and Google Drive. On the other hand, backing up to Google Photos specifically pertains to the process of uploading and storing your photos and videos in the Google Photos cloud.

Do I need both OneDrive and Google Photos?

The choice of using both OneDrive and Google Photos depends on your personal preferences and needs. OneDrive is a cloud storage service that offers a broader range of file storage and collaboration features, while Google Photos specializes in storing and organizing photos and videos. You can choose to use either or both based on your specific requirements.

How do I change Google backup settings on Android?

To change Google backup settings on Android, go to the Settings menu on your device, find the Google section, and select "Backup." From there, you can adjust various backup settings, including app data, device settings, and photos/videos backup options.