How to Turn Off Google Photos Backup, Sync and Upload

Why It Might Be Better to Stop Google Photos Sync?

Many users rely on Google Photos to automatically back up their pictures and videos. But over time, some begin to experience unexpected issues. For example, users on Reddit and tech forums often report that Google Photos uploads unwanted content—like random screenshots or WhatsApp images—which quickly eats up valuable storage space. Others find duplicate backups across devices, face privacy concerns with cloud storage, or simply decide to switch to another photo management solution.

In these situations, choosing to disable Google Photos backup can give you more control over what gets uploaded and stored in the cloud. Here are the most important reasons why you might want to stop or limit the backup:

✅ 1. Save Google Account Storage

Photos and videos can quickly use up your 15GB of free Google storage, especially when backed up in original quality.

✅ 2. Avoid Uploading Unwanted Media

Google Photos often backs up all folders by default, including memes, screenshots, and random downloads.

✅ 3. Protect Your Privacy

Not everyone is comfortable having personal photos automatically uploaded to cloud servers.

✅ 4. Switch to Another Backup Service

You may prefer services like iCloud, OneDrive, or even manual storage on external drives.

✅ 5. Reduce Mobile Data Usage

Automatic syncing of high-res photos and videos can consume a lot of mobile data if not on Wi-Fi.

🔗 Related Post: >> How to Delete Duplicate Photos in Google Photos

How to Stop Backup in Google Photos on iPhone

If you're using an iPhone and want to stop backup Google Photos, there are a few different ways to do it, depending on how much control you want. Below, we’ll walk you through three effective methods to manage or fully disable syncing on iOS.

How to Unsync Google Photos in Settings

The easiest and most effective way to stop uploading Google Photos is by turning off the "Back Up & Sync" feature in the app settings. This setting controls whether new photos and videos from your device are automatically uploaded to your Google account. By disabling it, you prevent any future uploads while keeping existing backed-up content intact.

It’s ideal for users who want to save storage, reduce data usage, or take control of what gets stored in the cloud. This method works across both Android and iPhone and can be easily reversed if you change your mind later.

📝 If you're wondering how to stop Google Photos backup, follow the simple steps below:

Step 1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android or iPhone by locating the app icon—usually labeled "Photos"—on your home screen or in your app drawer, then tapping it to launch the app.

Step 2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. This icon typically displays your Google account profile picture or initial, and provides access to your account and app settings.

Step 3. From the menu that appears, select "Google Photos settings". This will take you to the main settings area where you can manage backup preferences.

Step 4. Tap on "Backup" or "Backup & Sync" from the list of settings. This section controls whether your device automatically uploads photos and videos to your Google account.

Step 5. Toggle off the switch next to "Back up" to fully disable automatic syncing.

How to Deactivate Google Photos by Revoking Access

If you’re looking to completely turn off Google Pictures backup, revoking the app’s access to your photo library is one of the most effective methods. This approach ensures that Google Photos can no longer detect or upload any of your images, even if backup settings are turned on within the app.

It’s especially useful for users who prioritize privacy or want to use the app for viewing cloud-only content without syncing anything from their device. By cutting off access at the system level, this method gives you full control and helps prevent accidental uploads or unwanted photo syncing.

📝 Here’s how to stop using Google Photos by revoking its access to your iPhone’s photo library:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down to the list of apps and tap on Google Photos.

Step 3. Tap the Photos option under "Allow Google Photos to Access."

Step 4. Select None to fully block access, or Selected Photos if you want to allow access to only specific images.

Step 5. Close the Settings app. Google Photos will now be blocked from accessing your photo library, effectively stopping any future backups or uploads.

How to Stop Google Photos Sync with Background Refresh Off

Disabling background app refresh is a helpful way to stop backing up photos to Google without uninstalling the app. When background refresh is off, Google Photos can’t run or upload content while you're not actively using the app. This limits automatic backups and gives you more control over when your photos are synced.

While this method doesn’t completely shut off backup, it significantly reduces background activity and data usage. It's a useful option for users who want to keep Google Photos installed but reduce its syncing behavior in the background, especially on limited data plans or for better battery efficiency.

📝 Learn how to stop uploading photos in Google Photos step by step:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone from the home screen.

Step 2. Scroll down through the list of apps and tap on Google Photos to open its settings.

Step 3. Look for the Background App Refresh option within the Google Photos settings menu.

Step 4. Tap the toggle switch next to Background App Refresh to turn it off—this will prevent Google Photos from uploading photos when running in the background.

Step 5. Press the Home button or swipe up to exit Settings; from now on, Google Photos will only sync and upload photos when you actively open the app. 

How to Stop Google Photos from Backing Up  on Android

To unsync photos from Google Photos on Android, you can turn off backup, restrict data usage, or sign out of your Google account. These steps give you control over when and how your photos are synced.

How to Turn Off Google Photos by Disabling Background Data

Tired of Google Photos syncing in the background without your say? If so, one easy way to turn off Google Photo sync is by disabling background data. This prevents the app from uploading anything unless you open it yourself. While it doesn't completely shut off backups, it gives you more control over when your photos are uploaded.

It's especially helpful if you're trying to save data or avoid unexpected cloud storage usage. This method lets you keep using the app on your terms—no constant syncing running quietly in the background.

📝 Here’s a straightforward guide on how to stop Google from backing up photos:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet from the home screen or app drawer.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap Apps or Apps & notifications, depending on your device model.

Step 3. Find and select Google Photos from the list of installed apps.

Step 4. Tap Network & internet > Mobile network (sometimes labeled Data usage) to see data permissions for the app.

Step 5. Locate the Background data option and toggle it off to prevent Google Photos from uploading photos when running in the background.

How to Stop Syncing Google Photos by Signing Out

Want to get Google Photos sync off quickly? The easiest way is to sign out of your Google account within the app. This stops any new photos or videos from syncing or uploading until you sign back in.

It’s a simple solution if you want to pause syncing without adjusting settings or uninstalling the app. Just remember, signing out will also disable other Google services linked to your account in the app until you log back in. This gives you control over your backups and privacy.

📝 Learn how to stop uploading in Google Photos by signing out of your Google account:

Step 1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone.

Step 2. Tap your profile icon or your account photo in the top-right corner.

Step 3. Select Manage accounts on this device.

Step 4. Choose the account you want to sign out of, then confirm by tapping Remove account or Sign out.

Step 5. After signing out, Google Photos will stop uploading new photos and videos from your device until you sign back in.

How to Turn Off Google Photos Backup on Mac and Windows

If you want to stop auto sync Google Photos on your Mac or Windows computer, there are several ways to manage or completely disable syncing. You can disable folder sync in Google Drive for Desktop, pause or quit the app temporarily, or uninstall it altogether. Let’s walk through these options.

How to Stop Google Photos Backup by Pausing Google Drive Sync

When you need to stop Google Photos sync temporarily, pausing Google Drive sync is an effective and easy method. This action prevents Google Drive for Desktop from uploading new photos and videos from your computer to your Google Photos account.

It’s a great way to save bandwidth or avoid unwanted uploads without uninstalling the app or changing settings permanently. You can easily resume syncing whenever you want. Pausing sync lets you manage your photo backups flexibly while keeping all your previously uploaded files intact.

📝 Follow these simple steps if you want to know how to stop photos syncing to Google Photos:

Step 1. Locate and click the Google Drive for Desktop icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner on Windows) or the menu bar (top-right on Mac).

Step 2. In the small window that appears, click the Settings (gear) icon at the top-right corner.

Step 3. From the dropdown menu, select Pause syncing.

Step 4. If a confirmation prompt appears, click Pause or Confirm to proceed.

Step 5. Once paused, Google Drive for Desktop will stop syncing files, so your photos will no longer upload to Google Photos until you manually resume syncing.

How to Stop Google Photo Sync by Uninstalling the App

To stop Google backup photos on your computer completely, uninstalling the syncing app is the most effective way. Removing Google Drive for Desktop from your Mac or Windows device immediately halts all automatic uploads of photos and videos to Google Photos. This stops background syncing and frees up system resources. Keep in mind that uninstalling only affects the device and won’t delete photos already stored in your Google Photos account. You can reinstall the app anytime to resume backups.

📝 Learn how to stop sync Google Photos by uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop from your computer:

Step 1. On Windows, open the Start menu, then go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. On Mac, open Finder, go to the Applications folder.

Step 2. Find Google Drive for Desktop (or Backup and Sync) in the list of installed programs/apps.

Step 3. Select it and click Uninstall (Windows) or drag the app to the Trash (Mac).

Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Step 5. Restart your computer to ensure all sync processes are stopped.

Bonus: Better Choice for Saving Your Photos Securely

For a more secure and flexible way to back up your photos, CBackup stands out with its powerful features. It automatically saves your photos to multiple cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. You can set scheduled backups to run when it suits you, keeping your photos up to date effortlessly.

CBackup allows direct transfer of photos between cloud accounts without the need to download them, saving both time and data. It secures your files with encryption and password protection to maintain privacy. Plus, with version control, you can easily recover previous versions of your photos.

Compared to traditional Google Photos backup, CBackup offers greater control and peace of mind for protecting your memories.

📝 Follow the steps to learn how to merge different clouds and backup your photos to the combined cloud:

Step 1. Sign up and log in to your CBackup account at the official website or app.

Step 2. Connect your cloud storage accounts by going to the "Storage" tab and selecting from Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, then authorizing the cloud drive you choose.

Step 3. Create a combined cloud by selecting the connected clouds and clicking "+ Add Combined Cloud," then follow the prompts to merge their storage space.

Step 4. Set up a backup task by clicking "Backup" > "Backup PC to Combined Cloud." Choose the folders containing your photos on your computer.

Step 5. Start the backup, and CBackup will automatically upload your photos to the merged cloud storage, maximizing your available space.

Conclusion

Now you know how to stop backup in Google Photos across various devices and platforms. Whether you use Android, iPhone, or a computer, you can turn off backup by disabling sync, restricting access, or uninstalling related apps. These methods help you take full control of your photo privacy and storage use.

For those who need a safer and more flexible backup option, CBackup offers a powerful solution with features like multi-cloud support and scheduled backups. Choose the method that fits your needs and keep your photos secure your way.

FAQs on Turning Off Google Photos Backup, Sync, and Upload

Still have questions about managing your photo backups? The following FAQs cover common concerns and clarify key points about how to turn off Google Photos backup, sync, and upload. 

1. How to Stop My Photos from Going to Google Photos on iPhone?

If you're using an iPhone and notice your photos automatically uploading to Google Photos, it's likely because the "Back up & sync" feature is enabled. To stop this, you’ll need to turn off that setting in the app. Here's how to get Google Photos to stop backing up your iPhone photos:

• 1. Open the Google Photos app on your iPhone.
• 2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• 3. Select Photos settings from the menu.
• 4. Tap Backup & sync.
• 5. Toggle the switch off to disable photo backup.

2. How do I Turn Off Google Photos on iPhone?

Many iPhone users prefer more control over where their photos go. If that’s you, and you want to limit cloud uploads, here’s how to stop Google Photos from syncing completely:

• 1. Open the Google Photos app on your iPhone.
• 2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• 3. Go to Photos settings > Back up & sync.
• 4. Toggle Backup & sync to off.
• 5. Go to iPhone Settings > Privacy > Photos, tap Google Photos, and choose None to block access.

3. How do You Turn Off Google Photos Without Deleting from iPhone?

You don’t need to delete anything from your iPhone just to stop cloud uploads. If you're looking for how to stop auto upload to Google Photos without removing your photos, simply disable the backup feature in the app—your images will remain safely on your device.

Here is how to do that:

• 1. Open the Google Photos app on your iPhone.
• 2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• 3. Select Photos settings > Back up & sync.
• 4. Toggle Backup & sync to off.
• 5. Confirm your choice — your iPhone photos will stay on your device but won’t upload to Google Photos.