Google Photos rolls out new feature for Android

Google Photos remains one of the best photo backup apps available today. While there are other solid alternatives like Flickr, Amazon Photos, and F-Stop Gallery, none match the user base and reach that Google Photos offers. Over the years, it has received updates with useful new features, including some light AI integration. With tools like Magic Editor and Magic Eraser, it's easier than ever to remove unwanted elements from your photos. If you're a Google One subscriber, you also get the ability to store an enormous amount of photos, making it even more appealing.

One of the best recent features from Google Photos, which was initially released on iOS, is now available on Android. We first covered this feature in December when it launched on iOS, but Google has now rolled out the “Undo device backup” feature for Android users. This tool allows you to delete photos from the Google Photos server while keeping them on your device. After deleting your backup, the Backup feature will be automatically turned off on your device. Here’s how to use it (via Google):

1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
2. Tap your Profile picture or Initial at the top, then go to Photos settings, followed by Backup.
3. Scroll down to see off-screen items.
4. Tap "Undo backup for this device."
5. Check the box next to "I understand my photos and videos from this device will be deleted from Google Photos."
6. Tap "Delete Google Photos backup."

In addition to the “Undo device backup” feature, Google has been enhancing the Memories feature in Photos. Introduced in 2019, Memories brings users back to the app with curated slideshows and collections of images and videos grouped over time. Whether it’s a fun slideshow of you and your pet or a comparison of “then and now” photos, Memories is one of the app’s standout features. Google is working on expanding this, and soon, Memories could be displayed in full-screen mode, creating a more immersive experience. Additionally, Memories will soon be available on more devices, including smart TVs, digital photo frames, tablets, and more, though no specific timeline has been provided.

Google Photos is packed with useful tools, some of which may be easy to overlook. You can automatically upload photos from your phone, tablet, or computer, download images to your device, and use AI to automatically tag and organize photos by objects, people, locations, and more. Speaking of AI, Google Gemini is slowly making its way into Photos. The “Ask Photos” tab, while not front-and-center, can be accessed via the start button on the bottom-right of the app. With all these features and ongoing support from Google, it's reassuring to know that Photos will continue to be a valuable tool, unlike other Google products that have been phased out over time.