8 Solutions for the Google Photos Backup Not Working Issue

Google Photos is a widely-used photo-sharing and storage service that enables users to backup their photos to the cloud. Since its launch in 2015, it has been assisting people in storing, viewing, and editing photos with the aid of artificial intelligence. Additionally, it offers up to 100 GB of storage for just $1.99 per month. All in all, it's an excellent platform for keeping your photos safe. However, numerous users have reported issues with Google Photos not properly backing up the content on their devices.

Google Photos not backing up is a prevalent issue, often resulting from various reasons, including:

• The photo's format or size is incorrect
• Outdated version of the Google Photos app
• Excessive cache and data accumulation
• Inadequate storage space in your Google account
• Temporary technical issues with Google Photos
• Slow network speed and other similar factors

The reason behind Google Photos not functioning properly could be various - a poor internet connection, inadequate storage space, or some other issue. However, fortunately, it's straightforward to resolve the problem of Google Photos not working on any device. Simply scroll down to learn how to fix Google Photos backup issues.

How to Solve Google Photos Not Backing Up Issue (8 Simple Solutions)

If you have sufficient storage space on your Google Drive and your app displays "Backup is on: Getting ready to back up," but no action is being taken, don't panic just yet. Try these simple solutions for fixing Google Photos not backing up: 1. **Check Internet Connection**: Ensure that your device has a stable internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or mobile data. Slow or intermittent connectivity can hinder the backup process. 2. **Restart the App**: Close and reopen the Google Photos app. This can often resolve temporary glitches. 3. **Force Stop and Clear Cache**: Go to your device's Settings > Apps or Application Manager > Google Photos > Force Stop, then Clear Cache and Clear Data. This helps refresh the app's settings. 4. **Update Google Photos**: Make sure you're using the latest version of the app. Visit the Play Store (for Android) or App Store (for iOS) and check for updates. 5. **Review Backup Settings**: In the Google Photos app, go to Settings > Backup & Sync. Ensure that Backup & Sync is turned on, and the correct folders are selected for backup. 6. **Free Up Space**: If your Google Drive is almost full, delete unnecessary files or upgrade to a paid plan with more storage. 7. **Sign Out and Sign Back In**: Logout from your Google account in the app, then sign back in. This might reset any syncing issues. 8. **Reset App Preferences**: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Google Photos > Advanced > Reset App Preferences. On iOS, uninstall and reinstall the app. 9. **Contact Support**: If none of these work, reach out to Google Photos support for further assistance. Remember to be patient, as large photo libraries may take time to backup, especially with a slower internet connection.

Solution 1: Check Backup Status

One of the first steps to resolve issues with Google Photos not backing up is to verify the backup status within the app. If you've recently updated the app or modified some settings, it's possible that the "Backup photos" feature may be disabled. Let's first check the backup status in your Google Photos app before proceeding: 1. Open the Google Photos app on your device. 2. Tap on your profile picture icon located in the top-right corner. 3. Select "Settings" from the menu that appears. 4. In the "Backup & Sync" section, ensure that the toggle next to "Backup & Sync" is turned on (displayed in blue). If it's off, tap on it to enable the backup process. 5. Check if there are any specific albums or folders that are not set to back up. Scroll down to the "Backup and sync" section and review the "Include" or "Excluded" lists. 6. If needed, adjust the backup settings according to your preferences. Once you've confirmed the backup settings, wait for the app to initiate the backup process. It might take some time, especially if you have a large number of photos or a slow internet connection. If the issue persists, consider other troubleshooting steps, such as checking your storage space, updating the app, or restarting your device.

Step 1. Open the Google Photos app.

Step 2. Click on your profile photo in the top right corner and choose the Manage your Google Account option to view your backup status.

Step 3. At this point, you will see the following messages displayed on your screen, and you can address them accordingly:

• Waiting for connection/Waiting for Wi-Fi - reconnect to your internet connection.
• A photo or video was skipped - photos larger than 75 MB or 100 megapixels cannot be stored on Google Photos. Therefore, you either need to resize your photo or skip it as suggested by Google Photos.
• Backup and sync is off - if the automatic sync feature is disabled, you need to turn it on to backup your photos.
• Backing up photos/Backup complete - this message indicates that your photos are currently uploading or have been successfully backed up.

Step 2: Verify Backup Settings

Once you've verified your Google Photos backup status, the next step is to review your backup settings. Occasionally, specific network configurations or upload size limitations may prevent Google Photos from backing up your files. To inspect these settings: 1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android or iOS device. 2. Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner to access the menu. 3. Select "Settings." 4. In the "Backup & Sync" section (on Android) or "Photos" section (on iOS), ensure that the "Backup & Sync" toggle is turned on. 5. Check the "Upload size" setting. If it's set to "High quality," photos and videos will be backed up without counting toward your storage limit, but original quality might not be preserved. If you prefer original quality, change this to "Original." 6. Review the "Mobile data usage" setting (Android only). If it's disabled, backups will only occur when connected to Wi-Fi. Enable it if you want backups to occur over mobile data as well. 7. Ensure there are no restrictions on background app data usage in your device's settings, as this could also affect backups. After checking and adjusting these settings as needed, Google Photos should resume backing up your content.

Step 1. Open the Google Photos app on your device.

Step 2. Sign in to your Google account.

Step 3. Tap on Menu > Settings > Backup & Sync, and you'll see the following options:

1. Account - ensure that you have selected the same account you are currently viewing in your Google Photos app.
2. Upload size - here, you can modify the storage size for your photos and videos.
3. "Back up photos" or "Photos back up using cellular data" - if desired, adjust these settings to backup your photos using either a mobile network or just Wi-Fi.
4. "Back up videos" or "Videos back up using cellular data" - choose your preferred network for video backups.

Solution 3: Check Google Drive Storage Space

Until 2022, Google Photos provided unlimited free storage for users. However, as of now, you are required to switch to paid plans in order to continue backing up your photos on Google Photos. Moreover, if your Google Drive account doesn't have enough free space, you won't be able to back up new photos. Hence, it's necessary to check your Google Drive storage and clear the cache to make space for additional photos.

To check your Google Drive space, go to Settings > Backup & Sync > Backup Account.

On Android: You can clear the cache by tapping on Settings > Apps > Photos > Storage > CLEAR DATA and CLEAR CACHE.

On iOS: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Google Photos > Delete App.

Following that, proceed to the App Store and re-install the Google Photos application on your device.

Step 4: Check Google Photos Limitations

Google Photos is a robust cloud storage solution, but it does come with certain restrictions. As previously mentioned, photos exceeding 75 MB or 100 megapixels in size won't be backed up to Google Photos. Similarly, videos that surpass 10 GB in size won't synchronize with Google Photos.

Therefore, if you have to back up large media files, Google Photos can't help you with that. Unless you can compress the media files, Google Photos won't be of much use to you.

Solution 5: Restart/Reconnect Account/Reinstall

If you need to restore important files on Google Photos, you can either refresh or perform a factory reset on your account. A factory reset should only be considered if you don't have any significant content in your Google Photos. Otherwise, simply restart or re-install the Google Photos app. Here's how: 1. **Refresh Google Photos Account:** - On your Android or iOS device, open the Google Photos app. - Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner. - Select "Settings" from the menu. - Scroll down and tap on "Sign out" or "Sign out of Google Photos." - Once signed out, sign back in using your Google credentials. 2. **Reinstall Google Photos:** - For Android: - Go to your device's "Settings." - Tap on "Apps" or "App Manager." - Find and select "Google Photos." - Click on "Uninstall" and confirm the action. - Visit the Google Play Store, search for "Google Photos," and install it again. - For iOS: - Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap the Home button) to access the App Switcher. - Swipe left or right to find Google Photos, then swipe up on the app preview to close it. - Go to your device's "Settings" > "Your Name" > "iTunes & App Store." - Tap on "App Updates" or search for "Google Photos" in the App Store. - If an update is available, tap "Update." If not, tap the "Get" button next to Google Photos to reinstall it. 3. **Factory Reset Google Photos (Only if no important files):** - This option will remove all data associated with Google Photos, so proceed with caution. - Sign out of your Google account on your device (as mentioned in step 1). - Perform a factory reset on your device, which will erase all data and settings. - After resetting, set up your device as new and sign back into your Google account. - Reinstall Google Photos from the respective app store. Remember to backup any crucial data before proceeding with these steps.

• Log out of your Google Photos app and then log back in using your username and password.
• Alternatively, you can uninstall the Google Photos app from your device and reinstall it from the app store.
• If none of these solutions work, you may consider performing a hard reset on your account, which will erase all data stored in Google Photos.

Fix 6: Upload Photos/Videos Manually

If auto-sync is not functioning in your Google Photos app, you can manually choose the photos or videos from your computer and upload them to the app. This process might be time-consuming, but it enables you to overcome any limitations with Google Photos or other backup issues while seamlessly backing up your photos to the cloud.

Solution 7: Switch to "Over Wi-Fi or Use Mobile Network"

Additionally, you can adjust the backup network preferences and choose between Wi-Fi or cellular data. This solution comes in handy if you experience slow or unstable network speeds.

To change the network preference, go to Menu > Settings > Back up & sync > "Back up photos" or "Photos back up using cellular data."

If you're switching to a Wi-Fi network, ensure it's not set up as a hotspot. Additionally, disable the restriction on background data usage for specific Wi-Fi networks.

"Maintain adequate power supply."

In many devices, automatic backup and sync are disabled when the battery is low. Hence, attempt to recharge your device or disable low-power mode to back up your photos to your Google Photos account.

Backup Computer Data to Cloud - Tools Todo Backup

Google Photos may occasionally encounter backup issues, but it effectively backs up your data on both Android and iOS devices. However, the challenge arises when you need to backup your computer data.

Since computer data is voluminous and comprises crucial system files, it is imperative to back up computer data on the cloud. Furthermore, cloud storage allows for scaling up your database and provides protection against physical damage.

Hence, the most effective method to back up computer data is by using Todo Backup tools - a software designed for users to backup data, clone partitions, and operating systems. Primarily, it provides 1 TB of storage space on an annual subscription to store computer data in the cloud. Additionally, you have the option to store your data on third-party cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

Todo Backup also boasts an array of excellent backup features, such as:

• Schedule backups with just a few simple clicks
• Instantly recover data in case of disaster
• Clone OS, partitions, and disks to another computer without data loss
• Four robust backup modes — full, incremental, differential, and scheduled backups
• Real-time backup reporting and much more

You can back up your computer data using tools like Todo Backup software, which provides options for creating backups of your important files, system, and applications.

Step 1. To initiate the backup, click on Select backup contents.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail.

Step 3. On the left-hand side, you'll see a list of local and network files. Expand the directory to select the files you want to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the location where you want to save the backup.

In the Backup Options section, click Options to enable password encryption for the backup, set the backup schedule, and decide whether to initiate the backup at a specific event under Backup Scheme. A range of customizable options are available for you to explore, allowing you to customize the backup process according to your unique needs.

Step 5. Backups can be stored on a local disk, in the tool's cloud service, or on a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Step 6. Todo Backup enables users to back up their data to a third-party cloud drive or the company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and enter your account information.

You can also use the tool's built-in cloud storage service. Click on Tool Cloud, create an account using your Tool Account, and then log in to your account.

Step 7. To initiate a backup, select Backup Now. When the backup process is successfully completed, it will be displayed as a card on the left-hand panel. To manage the backup job in more detail, right-click on it.

Conclusion

Cloud storage is highly indispensable in today's digital era. Be it the photographs on your mobile phone or the data on your computer, cloud storage securely keeps all your information and ensures easy accessibility.

For mobile devices, Google Photos serves as an ideal solution for backing up your photos. If you encounter issues with Google Photos not backing up, worry not – eight straightforward solutions have been discussed, enabling you to seamlessly back up your photos to the cloud.

Likewise, you have free tools like Todo Backup software available to automatically back up your extensive computer data. So, without further delay, let's proceed to back up your photos and other crucial data on the cloud right now.