Do you love taking backups? Even if you don’t, it is a precaution to avoid data losses. So, we make our mind to do it often.
But, what about auto backups? Do you love it? I am not a fan of auto backups. If I want to save something, I will backup manually. That’s what I hate about Google Photos.
It’s been a while now that Google has released its dedicated Photos app. Earlier the same was a subsidiary of Google Plus. You might have already seen some photos in a backup folder on your smartphone with a Google Photos icon even if you haven’t done it yourself.
So today, I am going to explain how to delete auto backup pictures on the Google Photos app. In order to prevent the app from creating backups in the future, you need to turn the feature off. I am also going to help you out with it.
How to Delete Auto Backup Pictures?
Deleting auto backup photos on Google Photos is not a tedious task, and it can be done quickly (Provided that you don’t have a lot of pictures). Are you ready to find out how to delete auto backup photos?
Here we go.
How to Delete Backup Photos on Android after Uninstalling Photos App?
We all know that Google Photos app is responsible for creating unnecessary backup photos and place the same under folders in our phone gallery. If you don’t want the app, you can uninstall the app.
This section teaches you how to delete photos from auto backup after uninstalling Google Photos app.
Follow the actions given below to finish the process right away.
I suppose you have uninstalled Google App. You will notice the folders created by the app exist there without any change. That means, you need to figure out another way to delete all of them.
The very first thing you should do is to access your phone’s settings. It can be done either from the notification panel or the apps list. Then scroll down to bottom and tap Apps.
You will get a screen with a few tabs. Go to All from there by swiping from left to right. You will be provided with a long list all apps on your mobile phone.
Find Gallery from there and tap on the same to get its options. Use Clear data and Clear cache buttons. Then, get back to Gallery. You will not see that photos there again.
How to Delete Backed up Photos on PC?
Now, we are heading to the process of deleting backed up photos on your PC. The task is very simple and does not require much time too.
The steps need to be taken for removing auto backup photos are given below.
Step 1: At first, you have to visit Google Photos website. Click on the link I provided to get there.
Step 2: If you are not logged into your Google account, it will ask you to do it. Type the correct credentials to get into Google Photos layout.
Step 3: You can see all the backed up photos there. Isn’t it a good scene to see all of your photos arranged there? Oh sorry, you want to delete them, right? (Make sure to have other backup channels).
You have to select the photos you want to delete here. The selection can be made directly by clicking on a photo. If you want to select multiple items, make sure you hold Shift key after the first selection and don’t release the same before completion.
Step 4: You will then see a blue bar on top of the screen with some buttons on it. Click the last button that looks like a bin. It will move all the selected photos to trash.
Wow! You just learned how to get rid of auto backup photos.
How to Delete Backup Pictures on Android App?
Here, I will be walking you through the entire process of deleting backup pictures on your Google Photos Android app.
Step 1: Have a look at your apps list and launch Google Photos. (I recommend creating a folder of your frequently used apps on the home screen. It will save your time considerably especially if you have installed many apps.)
Step 2: Now, you can see all the backed up photos there. You can select each one from there. If you want to go with a single selection, just tap on one. Or else, long press to make multiple selections.
Step 3: Just like we saw in the web version of Google Photos, you will see a blue bar with four buttons on top of the screen, just below the notification status bar.
Choose the last bin-like button to move the selected photos to the Trash.
How to Turn off Auto Backup Feature of Google Photos?
After deleting all the backed up photos, you should turn off the automated backup feature to ensure that no picture will be backed up.
Here are the steps to turn it off. Sadly, it can’t be done via computer.
Step 1: Launch the Google Photos app.
Step 2: Tap that Menu button with three stripes placed on the top left corner of the screen.
Step 3: From the list, choose Back up& Sync.
Step 4: On the next screen, you can see a switcher using which the auto backup feature can be turned off or on.
N.B.- The changes will affect Google Drive in whole.
And, the auto backup feature can’t be turned off simply by uninstalling the Photos app.
Don’t worry about photos being sent to Trash. Your photos will be deleted irretrievably after 60 days.
Wrapping up
I hope you now know how to delete auto backup pictures from Google Photos now. Do you think deletion process is tough? I know you don’t.
Even though I shared the method of deleting backed up photos from Android app, the steps aren’t different either on iOS as well.
Got a shadow of doubt? Fill your ammo in the comment box and pull the trigger by pressing the Submit button.
Have a second to share this post with your social media buddies.
