- Backing up your precious photo memories is crucial to prevent data loss
- Amazon Photos offers unlimited photo storage for Prime members, including RAW files
- Transferring photos from Google Photos to Amazon Photos is easy with manual or automated methods
- You can download photos from Google and upload to Amazon, or use Google Takeout for bulk transfers
- Explore Amazon Photos’ features like facial recognition, location data, and sharing options after the transfer
Preserving your cherished photo memories is essential in today’s digital age. While Google Photos is a popular choice for cloud storage, its 15GB free storage limit can quickly fill up, especially if you prefer storing high-quality, uncompressed images. This is where Amazon Photos comes into play, offering unlimited photo storage for Prime members, including support for RAW files from professional cameras.
If you’re considering making the switch from Google Photos to Amazon Photos, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and seamless transfer of your precious photo collection.
Table of Contents
Why Transfer Photos from Google Photos to Amazon Photos?
Google Photos is a fantastic service, but it has its limitations. While it offers free unlimited storage, it compresses your photos to save space, potentially compromising image quality. Amazon Photos, on the other hand, provides Prime members with unlimited storage for full-resolution photos, including RAW files from professional cameras.
Additionally, Amazon Photos comes with a range of features that make it an attractive option for photo enthusiasts and professionals alike. These include facial recognition, location data, and easy sharing options with family and friends.
Manual Transfer: Download and Upload
If you have a relatively small number of photos to transfer, or if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually download your photos from Google Photos and then upload them to Amazon Photos.
Step 1: Download Photos from Google Photos
- Open Google Photos in your web browser and sign in to your account.
- Select the photos you want to download by clicking on them individually or using the “Select” option.
- Click the “Download” button in the top-right corner.
- Choose the desired download size and format, then click “Download” again.
Step 2: Upload Photos to Amazon Photos
- Sign in to your Amazon account and navigate to the Amazon Photos website or app.
- Click the “Upload” button and select the photos or folders you downloaded from Google Photos.
- Wait for the upload process to complete, which may take some time depending on your internet speed and the number of photos.
Automated Transfer: Google Takeout
If you have a large photo collection or prefer a more automated approach, you can use Google Takeout to download all your Google Photos data and then upload it to Amazon Photos.
Step 1: Export Photos from Google Photos
- Go to the Google Takeout website (https://takeout.google.com) and sign in to your Google account.
- Deselect all data types except for “Google Photos.”
- Choose your desired export settings, such as file type and archive size.
- Click “Next” and then “Create export.”
- Wait for the export process to complete, and you’ll receive an email with a download link for your photo archive.
Step 2: Upload Photos to Amazon Photos
- Sign in to your Amazon account and navigate to the Amazon Photos website or app.
- Click the “Upload” button and select the photo archive you downloaded from Google Takeout.
- Wait for the upload process to complete, which may take some time depending on your internet speed and the number of photos.
Exploring Amazon Photos Features
Once you’ve successfully transferred your photos from Google Photos to Amazon Photos, it’s time to explore the various features and tools offered by Amazon’s photo storage service.
Facial Recognition
Amazon Photos uses advanced facial recognition technology to automatically identify and group photos of the same person. This makes it easier to find and organize your photos based on the people in them.
Location Data
If your photos have location data embedded (geotagging), Amazon Photos will automatically sort them based on the location where they were taken. This can be particularly useful for organizing travel photos or finding specific shots based on the location.
Sharing and Collaboration
Amazon Photos offers several sharing options, including the ability to create shared albums and a “Family Vault” where you can pool your favorite photos with up to five other family members or friends. As long as one member has a Prime subscription, everyone in the Family Vault can store unlimited photos.
Photo Printing and Gifts
In addition to cloud storage, Amazon Photos also allows you to order physical prints, photo books, and other photo-related products directly from the service. This can be a convenient option for those who prefer tangible copies of their favorite memories.
FAQ
Q: How much does Amazon Photos cost?
Amazon Photos is included as part of an Amazon Prime subscription, which costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month. Prime members get unlimited photo storage, including RAW files, at no additional cost.
Q: Can I transfer videos from Google Photos to Amazon Photos?
Yes, you can transfer videos from Google Photos to Amazon Photos using the same methods outlined in this guide. However, it’s important to note that Amazon Photos does not offer unlimited video storage like it does for photos. Videos count towards your overall Amazon Drive storage limit, which is 5GB for non-Prime members and unlimited for Prime members.
Q: Will my photo organization and albums be preserved after the transfer?
Unfortunately, no. When transferring photos from Google Photos to Amazon Photos, your existing album structure and organization will not be carried over. You’ll need to reorganize your photos within Amazon Photos after the transfer is complete.
Q: Can I transfer photos from Amazon Photos back to Google Photos?
Yes, you can transfer photos from Amazon Photos back to Google Photos by following the same steps in reverse. However, keep in mind that Google Photos has a 15GB storage limit for free accounts, so you may need to compress your photos or upgrade to a paid Google One plan if you have a large photo collection.
Q: What happens if I cancel my Amazon Prime subscription?
If you cancel your Amazon Prime subscription, you’ll lose the unlimited photo storage benefit. Any photos you’ve uploaded to Amazon Photos will still be accessible, but you’ll be limited to the 5GB of free storage provided by Amazon Drive. To continue storing your full photo collection, you’ll need to either renew your Prime subscription or purchase additional storage from Amazon.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily transfer your photo collection from Google Photos to Amazon Photos, ensuring that your precious memories are safely backed up and accessible whenever you need them. Explore the various features and tools offered by Amazon Photos to enhance your photo organization and sharing experience.
