Google Photos Backup On iOS Gets Undo Device Backup Feature: What Is It And How Does It Wor

Google Photos continues to evolve its platform with the introduction of the ‘Undo Device Backup’ feature, now available for iOS users. This innovative addition provides users with greater control over their cloud storage, specifically targeting the often bulky photos and videos that can quickly consume available space.

This new functionality allows for the selective removal of photos and videos backed up to Google Photos from a specific device. Importantly, this process does not impact the original files stored on the device itself. By offering this granular control, Google empowers users to manage their cloud storage more effectively, particularly those who might be approaching the 15GB free storage limit associated with a Google account.

Understanding the Mechanics of ‘Undo Device Backup’

The ‘Undo Device Backup’ feature operates by essentially disconnecting the link between the cloud backup and the photos and videos on a chosen device. It’s important to note that this is a device-specific action. This means users can choose to remove backups from one device, perhaps an older phone, while maintaining backups from other devices, like a tablet or a newer phone.

This selective approach provides a level of flexibility that was previously absent. Users can curate their cloud storage according to their needs and preferences, ensuring that their most valued photos and videos remain accessible across their devices, while less critical ones can be removed to free up space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using ‘Undo Device Backup’ on iOS

To utilize this new feature, iOS users can follow these simple steps:

1. Launch the Google Photos app.
2. Tap on your profile picture located in the top corner of the screen.
3. Navigate to Google Photos settings.
4. Select the Backup option.
5. Scroll down to locate and select “Undo backup for this device.”
6. A confirmation checkbox will appear; check the box next to “I understand my photos and videos from this device will be deleted from Google Photos.”
7. Finally, tap “Delete Google Photos backup.”

Key Implications and Considerations

While the ‘Undo Device Backup’ feature offers significant benefits in terms of storage management, it’s crucial to understand its implications:

• Preservation of Local Copies: The feature exclusively removes files from the cloud backup. All original photos and videos remain securely stored on the user’s device.
• Deactivation of Automatic Backup: Once the Google Photos backup is deleted for a device, the automatic cloud backup feature for that specific device is deactivated. Users can, however, re-enable this feature if desired.
• Irreversible Deletion: The removal of photos and videos from Google’s servers is permanent. These files will not be recoverable, and they will also be removed from associated Google Photos features like albums, search results, memories, and shared albums.

Looking Ahead

Currently, this feature is exclusively available for iOS users, but Google has confirmed its intention to extend this functionality to Android users in the near future. This move reflects Google’s commitment to providing a consistent and user-friendly experience across its ecosystem.

The ‘Undo Device Backup’ feature marks a significant step forward in cloud storage management within Google Photos. By offering users more fine-grained control and flexibility, Google is enhancing the user experience and addressing the growing need for efficient management of digital assets.