My photos aren't being backed up

If your photos and videos don't sync to your Google Account, check your backup status:

Check your backup status

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app .
2. At the top right, tap your account profile photo or initial. Look for one of the following messages:
   • Backup complete: Your upload is complete, and you have no more items waiting to be backed up
   • Backup is off: Backup and Sync has been turned off. To turn on backup, tap Turn on backup.
   • Backing up: Your photos and videos are currently being backed up. You’ll also find the number of items remaining.
   • Preparing backup or Getting ready to back up: Your photos and videos are getting ready to be backed up.
   • Waiting for connection or Waiting for Wi-Fi: Change your settings or connect to a Wi-Fi or mobile network.

If your backup is stuck or you have other problems, try these steps:

Check your backup settings

1. Open the Google Photos app .
2. At the top right, tap your account profile picture or initial  Photos settings  Back up & sync.
3. If back up & sync is turned on, you should see these options:

• Backup account: Make sure that the account listed is the same one that you're viewing in the Google Photos app. To see which account you're viewing in the Google Photos app, open the Google Photos main menu and find your email address at the top.
• Back up device folders: Tap and select to back up photos and videos from other apps, such as Hangouts and WhatsApp.
• Upload size: Tap to change the upload size of your photos and videos. Learn the difference between Original and High Quality.
• Mobile data backup: Choose whether you want to back up your photos or videos using your mobile network (rather than just WI-Fi). Charges from your service provider may apply.

When to back up: Turn on 'back up while roaming' if you want to back up photos and videos even when you’re in other countries.

Check the file size or type

A photo or video may not be uploading because it doesn't meet our requirements:

• Photos must not exceed 75 MB or 100 megapixels
• Videos must not exceed 10 GB

Check which photos are backed up

If your backup is processing, you’ll see at the top how many photos are left and the thumbnails of photos that are currently being backed up.

Check which photo hasn’t been backed up

1. Select a photo.
2. If a photo hasn’t been backed up, at the top, you’ll see Back up .

Check all photos that have been backed up

On your computer, go to photos.google.com. Every photo and video that you see here is backed up.

Are you trying to back up your device folder?

You can back up photos and videos that you’ve downloaded or saved from other apps.

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. At the bottom, tap Library  Photos on device.
3. Tap a folder that you want to back up.
4. At the top, turn on Back up & sync.

Clear your app data

1. Open your device's Settings app  (not the Google Settings app).
2. Tap Apps and notifications Google Photos app .
3. Tap Disable and wait for a moment.
4. Tap Enable.
5. On your Android device, open the Google Photos app .
6. Sign in to your Google Account.
7. At the top right, tap your account profile photo or initial  Photos settings Back up & sync.
8. Turn on Back up & sync.

Put your device on the charger

Important: This only applies to Android devices.

To save your battery, the backup process may pause when your device screen is off or in screensaver mode. 

If you still have problems, send feedback to Google Photos