If you’re experiencing all photos not showing in Google Photos, this guide reveals the real causes and offers clear solutions to restore missing images. Learn how to fix sync errors, storage conflicts, and device issues so your full photo library appears across all platforms.
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If you recently opened Google Photos and noticed that some images mysteriously disappeared, you’re not alone. Many users across Android, iPhone, and desktop face the same problem—Google Photos not showing all photos.
Sometimes it's a sync issue… sometimes it's a settings issue… and sometimes it’s just Google being Google.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why your photos aren’t showing up and how to fix it step-by-step. Whether you're missing years of memories or yesterday’s screenshots, you’ll get them back.
Let’s dive in!
Before you start tapping random buttons, it's helpful to understand why this happens. Google Photos relies heavily on sync settings, folders, and account login—so one small mismatch can hide entire albums.
Below are the most common reasons.
When Google Photos stops syncing correctly, new images won't appear in your cloud library.
Google Photos does NOT back up every folder by default.
For example:
These folders must be manually activated.
You may be logged into the wrong Google account. Yes—it happens more often than you think!
If you use:
Your photos might be stored elsewhere.
Weak Wi-Fi or mobile data prevents proper syncing, making some photos invisible online.
Google Photos might be storing outdated cached thumbnails, making photos seem like they’re "gone" when they’re actually fine.
If you accidentally archived photos, they won’t appear on the main timeline—creating the illusion that they are missing.
If auto-backup is turned off, Google Photos only shows images previously uploaded—not the ones still sitting on your device.
If your Google storage is full:
Now let’s fix the issue once and for all.
Before anything else, ensure your backup is working properly.
Option 1. Enable Backup & Sync
Step 1. Open Google Photos.
Step 2. Go to Profile Icon > Photos Settings.
Step 3. Tap Back up & sync.
Step 4. Turn on Back up & sync.
Option 2. Check Upload Size Settings
Choose between:
If backup is paused, resume it.
Google Photos does not automatically back up every folder on your phone.
To fix:
Step 1. Open Google Photos.
Step 2. Tap Photos Settings > Back up & sync.
Step 3. Scroll down your cursor and tap Back up device folders.
Step 4. Select a folder (e.g., WhatsApp, Camera, Screenshots). Toggle Backup on.
This alone solves the problem for many users.
This helps if thumbnails or images appear missing.
Android: Settings → Apps → Google Photos → Storage → Clear Cache (This doesn’t delete your photos.)
iPhone: Reinstalling the app is the only way to clear cache.
Low storage stops new uploads.
Step 1. Go to: photos.google.com/settings.
Step 2. Check storage availability.
Step 3. If full, delete unnecessary items or purchase more space.
Google One plans are inexpensive and worth it if you store large libraries. >> Look here to know how to get more cloud storage for free.
Outdated apps can cause display bugs.
Step 1. Go to App Store or Google Play.
Step 2. Search Google Photos.
Step 3. Tap Update.
Without proper permissions, Google Photos cannot read files.
Android: Settings → Apps → Google Photos → Permissions → Allow Photos & Videos, Storage
iPhone: Settings → Google Photos → Photos → Set to All Photos
Sometimes photos are there—but hidden by filters like:
Check that no filter is applied.
A slow connection may hide some photos temporarily.
Try switching:
If nothing else works, reinstalling the app often fixes hidden bugs.
Managing thousands of photos across devices and cloud services can quickly become overwhelming. And when Google Photos not showing all photos becomes a recurring issue, you might start thinking about smarter ways to keep everything synced, organized, and safely backed up. That’s where MultCloud comes in.
MultCloud is a powerful cloud file manager that lets you manage, migrate, sync, and back up files across over 40 cloud services, including: Google Photos, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, Box, MEGA, Amazon S3, and more. Imagine having all your cloud storage accounts accessible in one clean dashboard—no switching apps, no lost photos, no sync confusion.
Step 1. Sign up for a free MultCloud account.
Step 2. Add your Google Photos account and add another cloud service (optional).
Step 3. Choose Cloud Transfer, Cloud Sync, or Cloud Backup. Set your preferences and let MultCloud handle everything automatically.
It’s hands-down one of the most reliable ways to avoid photo loss, sync errors, and storage issues—especially if you manage multiple clouds.
When Google Photos doesn’t show all your photos, it’s usually a simple fix—whether it’s a syncing problem, a folder not backed up, or an account mismatch. By following the steps in this guide, you can restore your images and ensure future backups run smoothly.
And if you want an easier way to manage or transfer photos across cloud services, MultCloud is the best solution to keep everything organized without losing a single memory.
Your photos matter—and now you know exactly how to keep them safe, visible, and properly backed up.