Google Photos is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to automatically back up photos and videos from their devices. However, sometimes Google Photos can get stuck during the backup process or stop backing up entirely. Here are the most common reasons why Google Photos may not be auto-backing up your pictures and videos, along with steps to fix the issues.
Table of Contents
Why Google Photos Stops Auto-Backing Up
There are several potential causes for Google Photos not properly backing up your photos and videos:
Low Battery or Power Saving Mode
If your device goes into low battery mode or power saving mode is enabled, Google Photos will often pause backups.
Insufficient Storage Space
Google Photos may stop backing up if you’ve used up all the storage space allotted in your Google Account.
Large or Unsupported File Types
Very large photos or videos over 200MB in size or certain unsupported file types may fail to back up.
Outdated App Version
Bugs in an outdated version of the Google Photos app can disrupt the backup process.
Connection Issues
An unstable internet connection prevents Google Photos from backing up properly.
Accidental Changes to Settings
You may have accidentally toggled off auto-backup or changed a related setting without realizing it.
Fixes for Google Photos Backup Issues
Here are the top recommended troubleshooting tips to get Google Photos auto-backup working again:
1. Check Your Backup Settings
Open the Google Photos app and confirm auto-backup is enabled with the proper account selected under Settings > Back up & sync.
2. Update the App
Install the latest version of Google Photos from your device’s app store. Updates often fix bugs.
3. Clear Cache and Data
In your device settings, clear cached data and app data for Google Photos to remove corrupt files.
4. Check Network Connection
Make sure you’re connected to a stable, high-speed internet connection when trying to back up.
5. Enable Sync Over Cellular Data
Allow Google Photos to use cellular data for backups under Settings > Mobile data usage.
6. Free Up Space in Google Account
Delete unused files from Google Drive or other services to regain Google Account storage space.
7. Reboot Your Device
Power your device off completely and restart it to clear any memory issues preventing backups.
8. Charge Your Device
Make sure your device is sufficiently charged and disable battery saver/low power mode.
9. Remove Problematic Files
Delete any files giving errors when backing up from your camera roll and try uploading again.
10. Contact Google Support
If you still can’t resolve backup problems, reach out to Google support for personalized troubleshooting help.
Best Practices for Google Photos Backups
Here are some tips to prevent issues with Google Photos failing to back up your pictures and videos:
- Keep your device charged as much as possible
- Connect to stable WiFi for backups whenever available
- Update Google apps and Android/iOS software regularly
- Occasionally clear app cache and data
- Monitor your Google Account storage usage
- Use file formats and sizes supported by Google Photos
- Double check that auto-backup is always enabled
Alternative Backup Solutions
If you continue having unresolvable problems with Google Photos backups, consider switching to alternative backup services:
- iCloud Photo Library – Seamlessly backs up iOS photos
- OneDrive – Integrates with Windows 10 and Office 365
- Flickr – Offers 1TB of free photo storage
- Amazon Photos – Free unlimited full-resolution photo storage for Prime members
- Dropbox – Popular file syncing service with image hosting
- Synology C2 Backup – Cloud backup solution focused on security
The most convenient solution still is getting Google Photos auto-backups functioning properly again when possible. But alternative cloud storage services can also reliably store your photos and videos if needed.
Conclusion
With Google Photos being unreliable or getting stuck trying to back up your media files, it can lead to lost memories and frustration. By troubleshooting the common underlying causes, updating settings, and following best practices, you can typically resolve Google Photos backup problems. Just be sure to monitor your backups closely and consider supplementary backup services if issues persist.
