Google Drive ends Photos backups on August 10-here's what you can do

Key Points:

• Google will end support for automatic syncing between Google Drive desktop backups and Google Photos on August 10, 2026, requiring users to upload images directly to Google Photos via the web.
• After the cutoff, automatic backups will only work if users keep the Google Photos website or dedicated web app open, and Apple Photos libraries on Mac cannot be backed up automatically without syncing through iCloud first.
• Existing photos in Google Drive will remain safe, but new uploads will no longer transfer to Google Photos, so users should disable Drive folder backups to avoid duplicate storage and potential extra costs.
• Users can disable folder syncing in Google Drive for desktop through the settings menu to prevent unnecessary backups and manage storage more efficiently.
• This change mainly affects users with dedicated cameras or legacy photo libraries, while most smartphone users likely already have their photos backed up via Google or Apple Photos; alternative backup methods are recommended to prevent data loss.