[Real Fix Guide] Google Photos Not Showing All Photos

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• Introduction
• Why Google Photos May Not Show All Your Photos
• Step-by-Step Fixes for Google Photos Not Showing All Photos
• Bonus Tip: Best Way to Manage Google Photos – MultCloud
• Conclusion

Introduction

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!

Why Google Photos May Not Show All Your Photos

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.

1. Sync Issues Between Device & Google Photos

When Google Photos stops syncing correctly, new images won't appear in your cloud library.

• Backup Not Completed: If your backup is stuck at "Waiting for Wi-Fi", "Preparing to back up", or "Backup paused", your photos won’t show online.
• Low Storage or Disabled Sync: If your phone restricts background activity or your Google storage is full, the sync stops automatically.

2. Photos Stored in Different Device Folders

Google Photos does NOT back up every folder by default.

For example:

• WhatsApp images
• Screenshots
• Downloads
• Instagram photos

These folders must be manually activated.

3. Google Account Mix-Up

You may be logged into the wrong Google account. Yes—it happens more often than you think!

If you use:

• Work account
• School account
• Secondary Gmail account

Your photos might be stored elsewhere.

4. Poor Internet Connection

Weak Wi-Fi or mobile data prevents proper syncing, making some photos invisible online.

5. App Cache or Data Corruption

Google Photos might be storing outdated cached thumbnails, making photos seem like they’re "gone" when they’re actually fine.

6. Hidden or Archived Photos

If you accidentally archived photos, they won’t appear on the main timeline—creating the illusion that they are missing.

7. Photos Not Backed Up from iPhone or Android

If auto-backup is turned off, Google Photos only shows images previously uploaded—not the ones still sitting on your device.

8. Google Storage Limitations

If your Google storage is full:

• New photos won’t upload
• Sync pauses automatically
• Some photos may appear only on your device, not in the cloud

Step-by-Step Fixes for Google Photos Not Showing All Photos

Now let’s fix the issue once and for all.

1. Check Backup Status

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:

• Storage saver (compressed)
• Original quality (full resolution, uses more space)

If backup is paused, resume it.

2. Check the Device Folder Backup

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.

3. Clear Google Photos Cache

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.

4. Check Google Account Storage

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.

5. Update Google Photos App

Outdated apps can cause display bugs.

Step 1. Go to App Store or Google Play.

Step 2. Search Google Photos.

Step 3. Tap Update.

6. Check Permissions on Android & iPhone

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

7. Verify Filters & Sorting Options

Sometimes photos are there—but hidden by filters like:

• Favorites only
• Archived photos
• Hidden device folders >> let’s access hidden folder in Google Photos
• Date range filters

Check that no filter is applied.

8. Check Internet Connection

A slow connection may hide some photos temporarily.

Try switching:

• Wi-Fi ↔ Mobile data
• Reconnecting to your network
• Restarting the router

9. Reinstall Google Photos

If nothing else works, reinstalling the app often fixes hidden bugs.

Bonus Tip: Best Way to Manage Google Photos – MultCloud

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.

How to Use MultCloud to Manage Google Photos

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.

Conclusion

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.