To "un download" Google Photos most commonly refers to stopping the process of your photos and videos being automatically uploaded or backed up to Google's cloud service. The primary way to achieve this is by turning off the Backup feature within the Google Photos app.
The provided reference outlines the exact steps needed to disable this automatic backup functionality.
Steps to Stop Google Photos Backup
Stopping the backup process ensures that new photos and videos you take will not be automatically uploaded to your Google Photos library in the cloud. This is the essential action if you want to stop Google Photos from "downloading" (i.e., uploading/syncing) your media.
Here are the precise steps:
- Launch the Google Photos app on your smartphone. Ensure you are opening the Google Photos app, not a native phone gallery app like Apple Photos on an iPhone.
- Tap on your account icon located in the top right corner of the app screen. This icon usually displays your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Google Photos Settings from the menu that appears. This will take you to the app's settings menu.
- Be sure Backup is OFF. Find the "Backup" option, usually listed near the top under "Settings", and toggle the switch or button to disable it.
Once Backup is turned OFF, Google Photos will no longer automatically upload your camera roll to the cloud.
Understanding "Un Download" Google Photos
The phrase "un download" can have a few interpretations. Based on the provided reference, the most relevant meaning is stopping the automatic uploading (which is often colloquially thought of as Google Photos "downloading" or taking your photos).
Here's a breakdown of potential interpretations and how to address them:
- Stop Photos from Uploading (Backup): This is covered by the steps above. Turning off Backup prevents new media from being sent to Google Photos.
- Remove Photos Already in Google Photos: Turning off backup does not delete photos that have already been uploaded. To remove previously uploaded photos, you need to manually select and delete them from within the Google Photos app or website. Deleting from Google Photos can also remove the copy from your device if Backup & Sync was enabled and you choose that option, so be careful.
- Uninstall the Google Photos App: If you want to remove the app entirely from your device, you would typically do this through your phone's standard app management settings (Settings > Apps on Android, or press and hold the app icon on iOS). This removes the app but does not delete your photos stored in the Google Photos cloud.
- Remove Photos Downloaded FROM Google Photos: If you specifically downloaded photos from Google Photos to your device, you would delete these files using your phone's file manager or gallery app.
Summary of Actions
| Goal | Action | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Stop automatic uploading | Turn off Backup in Google Photos settings (as per steps 1-4). | New photos/videos are not added to Google Photos cloud. Existing stay. |
| Delete photos from the cloud | Manually select and delete photos/videos within the Google Photos app or website. | Removes media from your Google Photos library (and potentially device). |
| Remove the Google Photos app | Uninstall the app via your phone's system settings. | Removes the app from your device. Photos in the cloud remain untouched. |
| Remove specific downloaded items | Delete the downloaded files using your phone's file manager or gallery app. | Removes the downloaded copy from your device. Original in cloud remains. |
Ultimately, if your goal is to stop Google Photos from accessing and storing your camera roll automatically, following the steps to turn off Backup is the correct procedure.
