Google has finally released the ‘Undo device backup’ feature for the Google Photos app on Android devices. This setting lets you remove all the photos and videos stored in Google Photos from your current device cloud backup. The announcement highlights an important improvement in managing photo storage, allowing users more flexibility while using the Google Photos app for the backup of their images and videos.
How to use the “Undo device backup” feature in the Google Photos app
Google Photos originally received the ‘Undo device backup’ functionality for iOS devices in December last year. However, it took quite some time to reach the app for Android phones and tablets. The option allows you to delete photos and videos from the cloud without losing them on your device. After you delete the backup, your device automatically turns off the backup feature.
To use this feature, open the Google Photos application on your Android phone or tablet. Now, tap your profile picture at the top of the UI, and then proceed to Photos settings > Backup. Then you can scroll down to tap the “Undo backup for this device” option.
Next, you’ll need to check the “I understand that this device will delete my photos and videos from Google Photos” box. Lastly, hit the “Delete Google Photos backup” button. Once you finish, all the photos and videos will still be available on your Android device. However, Google Photos will delete them from cloud albums, shared albums, search results, memories, and your Locked Folders.
Google Photos is getting more new features soon
Just like most of its other products, Google constantly improves the user experience of the Photos app on various platforms. It will soon release a few more features for the Photos app. For instance, the app will once again let you share your screenshots and more through Partner Sharing.
In November 2024, Google Photos quietly changed Partner Sharing to prevent users from including images from other apps in their sharing. However, Google is reversing this change following user feedback as an optional feature. Once you turn on this setting on Android devices, your partner will automatically receive backups of screenshots or saved images from other apps.
