How to Migrate Photos and Videos from Google Photos to Yandex Disk

Quick Search:

• Introduce
• Why Move from Google Photos to Yandex Disk?
• How to Move Photos and Videos from Google Photos to Yandex Disk
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduce

In an era where digital memories are our most precious assets, choosing the right cloud storage is a critical decision. For years, Google Photos was the undisputed king of photo management, but shifting pricing models, storage limits shared with Gmail, and privacy concerns have led many users to seek alternatives.

One of the most robust alternatives surfacing in 2026 is Yandex Disk. Known for its generous storage plans, seamless mobile integration, and the unique "unlimited" auto-upload feature for mobile photos, it has become a top destination for those looking to switch.

Why Move from Google Photos to Yandex Disk?

Before we dive into the "how," let’s look at the "why." As of 2026, several factors make the decision to move from Google Photos to Yandex Disk increasingly attractive:

• Storage Costs: Google’s 15GB free tier is shared across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. Once full, users must pay for Google One. Yandex Disk often offers more competitive pricing for its "Yandex 360" plans, frequently providing deeper discounts on 1TB and 2TB tiers.
• Unlimited Mobile Backup: One of Yandex Disk’s "killer features" is the ability to auto-upload photos and videos from your smartphone without them counting against your main storage quota (available with Yandex 360 plans).
• Original Quality: While Google Photos often pushes users toward "Storage Saver" (compressed) quality to save space, Yandex Disk makes it easier to maintain a library of original-resolution RAW files and 4K videos.
• Integrated Ecosystem: For those already using Yandex Mail or Yandex Browser, the integration is as seamless as the Google ecosystem, offering a "smart search" that can find text within images.

Comparing Google Photos and Yandex Disk (2026 Edition)

How to Move Photos and Videos from Google Photos to Yandex Disk

If you are looking to migrate photos and videos from Google Photos to Yandex Disk, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every method—from manual downloads to automated third-party transfers—ensuring your memories remain safe, organized, and high-quality.

Method 1: The Manual Approach (Best for Small Collections)

If you only have a few gigabytes of data, the simplest way to transfer from Google Photos to Yandex Disk is the manual download-and-upload method.

Step 1: Download from Google Photos

1. Open Google Photos on your computer.

2. Select the photos or albums you wish to move.

3. Click the three-dot menu in the top right and select Download (or press Shift + D).

4. Your files will be saved as a ZIP archive to your local drive.

Step 2: Upload to Yandex Disk

1. Navigate to Yandex Disk.

2. Log in to your Yandex account.

3. Click the Upload button or simply drag and drop the unzipped photo folders into the browser window.

Method 2: Using Google Takeout (Best for Large Libraries)

For users with thousands of photos and years of videos, manual selection is impossible. Google Takeout is the official tool for exporting your entire account data.

Step-by-Step Google Takeout Migration:

1. Access Takeout: Go to takeout.google.com.

2. Select Google Photos: Click "Deselect all" and then scroll down to find and check "Google Photos."

3. Choose Albums: You can click "All photo albums included" to filter by year or specific folders.

4. Delivery Method: Select "Send download link via email."

5. File Type & Size: Choose.zipand set the file size (e.g., 50GB). If your library is 200GB, choosing 50GB chunks will result in 4 files.

6. Create Export: Click "Create export." Google will prepare your files (this can take hours or even days).

7. Upload to Yandex: Once you receive the email, download the archives to your PC. Then, use the Yandex Disk Desktop App to sync them. The desktop app is much more stable than the browser for massive transfers.

Method 3: Automated Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer (The Easiest Way)

For those who do not want to download hundreds of gigabytes to their local hard drive just to re-upload them, MultCloud is the premier solution. This service acts as a bridge between the two cloud providers, moving data directly from Google’s servers to Yandex’s servers.

This is arguably the most efficient way to migrate photos and videos from Google Photos to Yandex Disk because it bypasses your home internet speed entirely.

How to use MultCloud to migrate:

1. Sign Up: Create a free account at MultCloud.

2. Add Google Photos: Click "Add Cloud" and select Google Photos. Authorize the connection.

3. Add Yandex: Click "Add Cloud" again and select Yandex Disk.

4. Configure Cloud Transfer: Go to the "Cloud Transfer" tab. Set Google Photos as the "Source" and a folder in Yandex Disk as the "Destination." Then, click "Transfer Now." You can close your browser; the process happens on their servers.

Method 4: The Mobile "Sync" Shortcut

For those who primarily use their smartphones, there is a clever "background" way to transfer from Google Photos to Yandex Disk.

1. Download to Device: In the Google Photos app, select your most important photos and choose "Save to device." (This requires enough local storage on your phone).

2. Enable Yandex Auto-upload: Install the Yandex Disk app and enable "Auto-upload photos" and "Auto-upload videos". As Google Photos saves the files to your phone's local gallery, the Yandex app will detect the new files and instantly upload them to your Yandex cloud.

Conclusion

To migrate photos and videos from Google Photos to Yandex Disk is a significant move, but for many, it is the right one. In 2026, Yandex Disk provides a compelling alternative for users who feel "locked in" to Google’s ecosystem or are tired of ever-shrinking storage limits.

By following the Google Takeout method or using a cloud-to-cloud tool like MultCloud, you can move from Google Photos to Yandex Disk with minimal stress. Whether you're chasing the unlimited mobile backup feature or simply want a fresh start with a different provider, your digital legacy is now ready for its new home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I transfer directly from Google Photos to Yandex Disk?

There is no "one-click" button inside Google or Yandex settings. You must use a third-party tool like MultCloud or export your data via Google Takeout and then upload it to Yandex.

2. Will I lose photo quality during the transfer?

No. If you download the "Original Quality" files from Google and upload them to Yandex, the files remain identical. Only "Storage Saver" files from Google will remain in their compressed state.

3. Is Yandex Disk safe for private photos?

Yandex uses industry-standard TLS encryption for transfers and stores data in secure, Tier-III data centers. However, like any major cloud provider, you should use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to protect your account.

4. How long does it take to move 1TB of photos?

Using a cloud-to-cloud service, it can take 24–48 hours. Using a home internet connection (download then upload), it could take several days depending on your upload speed.

5. Does Yandex Disk support RAW photos?

Yes, Yandex Disk is popular among photographers because it supports a wide range of RAW formats and provides a high-quality previewer for them in the browser and app.