Google unveils new feature that allows users to delete photos from cloud while keeping local files
This update allows users to delete backed-up photos and videos from Google’s servers while keeping the original files intact on their devices.
Google Photos is rolling out a new feature for Android users called “Undo Device Backup,” giving them greater control over their cloud-stored media.
This update allows users to delete backed-up photos and videos from Google’s servers while keeping the original files intact on their devices.
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The new feature will enable users to remove media stored in Google Photos’ cloud without affecting local copies on their Android phones or tablets.
Once enabled, the selected photos and videos are permanently deleted from Google’s servers but remain accessible on the device.
This enhancement is particularly useful for users who want to manage their limited cloud storage by removing unnecessary backups.
Users who also want to enhance privacy by keeping sensitive media offline or those who want to prevent accidental uploads while maintaining personal media on local storage will benefit.
How to use the ‘undo device backup’ feature
To remove your media from Google Photos’ cloud while keeping it on your device, follow these steps:
1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner and go to Photos settings.
3. Select Backup and scroll down to find Undo backup for this device.
4. Check the confirmation box and tap ‘Delete Google Photos backup’.
After completing these steps, the media will be deleted from Google Photos’s cloud storage, and future backups from that device will be disabled unless manually re-enabled.
Once the ‘Undo Device Backup’ feature is activated, note that Photos and videos stored on Google’s servers will be deleted.
However, media will remain accessible on your Android device. Content that is removed from the cloud will no longer appear in shared albums, search results, memories, or the Locked Folder.
Users are also advised that once you Undo Device Backup’, automatic backups for that device will be turned off.
For years, Google Photos users struggled with a frustrating limitation: deleting photos from the cloud also erased them from local storage unless they manually adjusted sync settings.
This new feature resolves that issue by clearly separating cloud backups from device-stored media.
The ‘Undo Device Backup’ feature was first launched for iOS users and is now being rolled out to Android devices.
With this update, Google Photos continues to improve its privacy and storage management features, offering users more flexibility in controlling their media.
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