[3 Ways] How to Turn Off Auto Backup On Google Photos

Quick Search:

• What is Auto Backup in Google Photos?
• User Needs: How to Turn Off Google Photos Backup
• [3 Ways] How to Turn Off Auto Backup On Google Photos?
• What Happens After You Turn Off Auto Backup?
• Alternatives to Google Photos Auto Backup
• Bonus Tip: Best Way to Manage Google Photos Data
• Conclusion

What is Auto Backup in Google Photos?

Google Photos was designed to be your digital memory vault. The auto backup feature uploads your photos and videos to your Google account so you can access them from any device. It sounds great, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Pros and Cons of Auto Backup

Pros:

• You’ll never lose a memory if your phone gets lost.
• Instant cloud access from any device.
• Great for sharing albums easily.

Cons:

• Eats up your Google storage.
• Might back up photos you don’t want saved.
• Uses data and battery in the background.

User Needs: How to Turn Off Google Photos Backup

1. Stop Google Photos Backup When It Stucks on "Backing up 1 of XXX"

A lot of users like you have ever encountered Google photos backup stuck problem when you are making use of Google photos backup app, either the former Google Photos Backup or the very latest upgraded Backup and Sync. Especially when using Backup and Sync to sync a lot of local photos to Google drive cloud, people are probably get information like "Backing up 1 of XXX" or "Waiting for Sync" but it does not change for hours or even days. In the initial period of time, most users choose to wait it to finish its task. However, after even days of uploading, the number of the current backing up photos is still the same and does not change at all. Then, some users have lost their patience and want to turn off auto backup Google photos.

2. Limited Storage

Google gives you 15 GB for free across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. If you're constantly seeing that "storage full" message, it might be time to hit pause on backups.

Or, some of you want to stop Google Drive from syncing photos for some other errors caused by Google photos backup software such as:

Anyhow, you need to stop backing up photos to Google. Then, how to stop Google photos backup on Anroid/iPhone/PC?

[3 Ways] How to Turn Off Auto Backup On Google Photos?

To stop uploading photos to Google Photos, there are 3 feasible ways.

Method 1: Turn Off Auto Backup on Android

If you’re rocking an Android device, here’s how to disable auto backup on the Google Photos app.

Step 1: Open Google Photos

Launch the Google Photos app on your Android device. Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account.

Step 2: Access Settings

Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner. Then select Photos settings from the dropdown.

Step 3: Disable Backup & Sync

Now, go to Backup & sync and simply toggle it off. Boom — no more automatic uploads.

Method 2: Turn Off Auto Backup on iPhone/iOS

Apple users, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered too.

Step 1: Open Google Photos App

Start by launching the app. Just like Android, it requires your Google account.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings

Tap the profile icon in the upper-right, then hit Google Photos settings.

Step 3: Toggle Off Backup & Sync

Click into Backup and turn off the switch. That’s it!

Method 3: Turn Off Auto Backup on Web/Desktop

If you have installed Google Drive for desktop which can sync photos, here's how to stop that:

1. Open the Drive for desktop app.

2. Click the gear icon to go to Preferences.

3. Uncheck Back up to Google Photos under My Computer.

If you're using Google’s old Backup and Sync desktop app (now replaced by Google Drive for Desktop), you’ll need to:

• Open the app.
• Go to Preferences.
• Uncheck the folders you don’t want to sync with Google Photos.
• Or uninstall the app entirely if it’s no longer needed.

What Happens After You Turn Off Auto Backup?

Wondering what happens once you flip that switch? Here’s the lowdown.

Existing Photos Stay Safe

Turning off auto backup won’t delete your already-uploaded photos. They’ll stay in your Google Photos cloud unless you delete them manually.

Manual Uploads Still Possible

You can still upload photos manually whenever you want — just choose what to back up and when.

Alternatives to Google Photos Auto Backup

Manual Upload Method

If you like having control, this one’s for you. Snap your pics and upload only the keepers. Less clutter, more peace of mind.

Use of Third-Party Cloud Storage

Try services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Amazon Photos if you’re looking for something with different terms or more privacy.

Bonus Tip: Best Way to Manage Google Photos Data

If you're looking for the best way to manage your Google Photos data, MultCloud is a game-changer. This powerful cloud management platform lets you effortlessly transfer, sync, or back up your Google Photos to other cloud services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive — all from a single, easy-to-use dashboard. With no need to download or re-upload files manually, MultCloud saves time and ensures your photo memories are safe and accessible across platforms. Whether you're organizing albums, freeing up space, or safeguarding backups, MultCloud makes Google Photos management smarter and more efficient.

Currently, MultCloud supports more than 30 cloud drives including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Workspace, Flickr, Google Photos, etc. If you want to move photos from Google Drive to Google Photos without downloading and uploading, you can make full use of "Cloud Transfer".

Conclusion

Turning off auto backup on Google Photos is a smart move for anyone who values storage space, privacy, or simply wants to take control of what goes to the cloud. Whether you’re team Android or an Apple aficionado, the steps are quick, painless, and totally reversible. So go ahead—take charge of your digital gallery and keep only the memories that truly matter.