Unsyncing Google Photos is a simple task that can help you free up space on your device, manage your photos more efficiently, and ensure your privacy. In just a few steps, you can stop your photos from automatically syncing with your Google account.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Unsync Google Photos
Before we dive into the steps to unsync Google Photos, it’s worth noting that this process will stop any new photos from being uploaded to your Google account. However, it won’t delete any photos that are already synced. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open the Google Photos app
Open the Google Photos app on your device.
The Google Photos app is typically found on the home screen or in the app drawer. If you can’t find it, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture
Tap on your profile picture or initial in the upper right corner of the screen.
This will take you to the settings and account options for Google Photos.
Step 3: Select ‘Photos settings’
Choose ‘Photos settings’ from the menu.
This will open the settings specific to the Google Photos app.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Backup & sync’
Tap on ‘Backup & sync’.
This is where you can manage the syncing options for your photos.
Step 5: Toggle off ‘Backup & sync’
Toggle the switch next to ‘Backup & sync’ to the off position.
By turning this off, you’re telling Google Photos to stop backing up your photos automatically.
After completing these steps, your Google Photos will be unsynced. Any new photos you take with your device will not be uploaded to your Google account unless you manually upload them or turn the ‘Backup & sync’ option back on.
Tips for Unsyncing Google Photos
- Make sure you have a backup of your photos somewhere else before unsyncing, just in case.
- Remember to manually upload any important photos you want to keep in Google Photos after unsyncing.
- If you change your mind, you can always resync your photos by following the same steps and turning ‘Backup & sync’ back on.
- Consider organizing your photos into albums on your device before unsyncing to make them easier to manage.
- Check your Google storage to see how much space you’ve freed up by unsyncing your photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my already synced photos if I unsync Google Photos?
The photos that have already been synced to your Google account will remain there. Unsyncing only stops future photos from being uploaded.
Can I choose specific photos to unsync?
You cannot selectively unsync photos. Turning off ‘Backup & sync’ will stop all photos from being uploaded.
Will unsyncing Google Photos delete my photos from my device?
No, unsyncing will not delete any photos from your device. It only stops the automatic upload to your Google account.
How do I delete photos from Google Photos after unsyncing?
To delete photos from Google Photos, you can either do it directly in the app by selecting the photos and choosing ‘Delete from device,’ or you can go to photos.google.com and remove them there.
Can I still use Google Photos to organize and edit my photos after unsyncing?
Yes, you can still use all the features of Google Photos to organize and edit your photos; they just won’t be backed up to your Google account.
Summary
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Select ‘Photos settings’.
- Tap on ‘Backup & sync’.
- Toggle off ‘Backup & sync’.
Conclusion
Unsyncing Google Photos is a breeze once you know the steps. Whether you’re doing it to save on storage space, manage your photos differently, or for privacy reasons, it’s a quick process that gives you control over your digital memories. Remember to backup your photos in another way if you’re going to unsync, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to preserving your precious moments. If you ever decide you want to sync your photos again, it’s just as easy to turn the ‘Backup & sync’ option back on. Happy photo organizing, and may your memories be forever safe and sound, whether in the cloud or on your device.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.