How to Back Up and Share Photos with Google Photos
Back up photos to Google Photos, confirm they uploaded, then share selected photos or albums safely.
How to Back Up and Share Photos with Google Photos
Google Photos can save photos and videos to your Google Account so you can view them on signed-in devices. Back up first, confirm the upload completed, and then share only the items you intend others to see.
Prerequisites
A Google Account you can sign in to.
A reliable internet connection.
Enough available Google Account storage. Storage is shared across Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail.
The Google Photos app for phone or tablet, or a supported browser for computer uploads.
Back up photos
On a phone or tablet: Open the Google Photos app and sign in to the account where you want the photos saved. In the app’s settings, turn on backup. Menu names can vary by device or app version; consult Google Photos Help for current, device-specific steps.
On a computer, upload selected items: Go to Google Photos, choose Create and add photos, select the files, and upload them.
On a computer, back up folders: At Google Photos on the web, choose Create and add photos, then Back up folders. Select the folders and grant the requested access. Keep the Photos tab open or the Photos web app running for folder backup; closing the tab stops background uploads. Browser support and available controls can vary.
Check that backup finished. On the web, look at the backup status at the top of your library. “Backup complete” means the process is done. To check an individual photo or video, open it, select Info, and look for its backup status under Backed up.
Do not delete originals or clear a device or folder until you have verified that the specific items are backed up and can be viewed in Google Photos. If you need device-specific instructions, or backup is not working, use the official Google Photos backup help.
Share photos or an album
Select the photo, video, or album you want to share in Google Photos.
Choose Share, then select the available sharing method, such as sharing with a contact or creating a link. The exact choices may differ by device and item.
Check the recipients or link-sharing settings before sending. A link can be passed along by someone who receives it, so avoid using it for sensitive photos unless that is acceptable.
Send the invitation or link through your chosen method. You can share with people who do not use the Google Photos app, though their viewing experience may differ.
Troubleshooting
Backup is paused or incomplete: Check your internet connection, available account storage, and the backup status. For folder backup on a computer, keep the Photos tab open and use an up-to-date supported browser.
Some files do not upload: Google lists file-size and format requirements; unsupported formats may not back up. Check the Google Photos Help Center for current requirements and troubleshooting.
A photo is missing from the backup: Open that item and check Info for its backup status. Make sure you are signed in to the Google Account you intended to use.
You are considering deleting files to free space: First verify that every wanted item is backed up, or keep another copy. Deleting photos can remove data; do not rely on an unverified upload as your only copy.
