Google Photos is giving Android users more control over their media with a new feature called “Undo device backup.”
This update allows users to delete photos and videos stored on Google’s servers while keeping the original files safe on their devices.
The “Undo device backup” option lets users remove previously backed-up media from Google Photos without deleting them from their local storage.
Once enabled, this feature permanently deletes photos and videos from Google’s cloud, but the files remain on the Android device.
This functionality is useful for users who want to manage their cloud storage, maintain privacy, or prevent accidental uploads while keeping their personal media intact on their phones or tablets.
How to Use the ‘Undo Device Backup’ Feature
Accessing and using the new feature is simple. Follow these steps to regain control over your media backups:
- Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Photos settings.
- Choose Backup and scroll down to find Undo backup for this device.
- Confirm your choice by checking the provided box.
- Tap Delete Google Photos backup to complete the process.
After these steps, media from that device will be deleted from Google’s servers. This action also disables future backups for that device until re-enabled manually.
What Happens After You Undo Backups?
Once you activate the ‘Undo device backup’ option:
- Your backed-up photos and videos will be removed from Google Photos’ cloud storage.
- Media will remain accessible on your local device.
- Removed content will no longer appear in cloud albums, shared albums, search results, memories, or the Locked Folder.
- Automatic backups from that device will be disabled.
For years, Google Photos users faced a dilemma: deleting media from the cloud also removed it from local storage unless they manually disabled sync options. This new feature solves that issue by offering a clear distinction between local and cloud-stored media.
It’s especially beneficial for those managing limited Google One storage space, maintaining private content offline, or those who want to selectively control what is saved to the cloud.
Availability
The ‘Undo device backup’ feature was first introduced for iOS and is now rolling out to Android users. Ensure you have Google Photos version 7.18 or later to access this feature.
With this update, Google Photos continues to offer more granular control, addressing user concerns about privacy and media management while simplifying the cloud experience.
