How to Backup Photos Videos on Android Phone Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Photos and videos capture precious memories, making them among the most valuable data on your Android phone or tablet. To ensure that your media files are safe from accidental loss or device damage, it's crucial to regularly back up your photos and videos. 

Backing Up Photos and Videos on Your Android Phone or Tablet

Using Google Photos

Google Photos is a powerful tool for backing up and managing your photos and videos.

Install Google Photos

If you haven't already, download and install the Google Photos app from the Google Play Store.

Set Up Google Photos Backup

Open Google Photos: Launch the app and sign in with your Google account.

Back Up and Sync: Tap your profile picture, then go to "Settings." Enable "Back up & sync." This will automatically back up your photos and videos to your Google Photos account.

Choose Quality Settings: You can choose between "High quality" (unlimited storage but slightly reduced quality) or "Original" (full quality, but it may consume your Google Drive storage). Select the option that suits your needs.

Cellular Data Usage: You can also set whether to back up photos and videos using cellular data. It's advisable to use Wi-Fi to avoid excessive data charges.

Using Google Drive

Google Drive is another option for backing up your photos and videos, offering a separate storage space.

Install Google Drive

If you don't have Google Drive, download and install it from the Google Play Store.

Upload Photos and Videos to Google Drive

Open Google Drive: Launch the app and sign in with your Google account.

Create a Folder: You can create a new folder for your media files if needed.

Upload Files: Tap the "+" icon or the "Add" button, then select "Upload." Navigate to your photos and videos and select the files you want to back up. They will be uploaded to your Google Drive.

Using a Cloud Storage Service

Several other cloud storage services, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon Photos, provide options to back up your photos and videos. Here's a general process:

Install the App

Download and install the cloud storage app of your choice from the Google Play Store.

Set Up and Sign In

Launch the app, sign in with your account, or create a new one if necessary.

Upload Photos and Videos

In the app, navigate to the location where you want to store your media files. Tap the upload button (usually represented by a "+" or cloud icon). Select the photos and videos you want to upload from your device's gallery. Confirm the upload, and your media files will be stored in the cloud.

Using a Computer

Transferring photos and videos to your computer is another way to back them up, and it's especially useful for creating local backups.

Connect Your Device

Use a USB cable to connect your Android phone or tablet to your computer. If prompted on your device, select the "File Transfer" or "Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)" option.

Access Your Device Storage

On your computer, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Under "This PC" (Windows) or "Devices" (Mac), you'll see your connected device listed. Click on it to access your device's internal storage.

Copy Photos and Videos

Navigate to the "DCIM" or "Pictures" folder on your device. These folders typically contain your photos and videos. Select the media files you want to back up. Copy and paste them to a folder on your computer.

Additional Considerations

Automate Backups: Take advantage of automated backup options in Google Photos and other cloud storage apps to ensure your media is continuously backed up without manual intervention.

Local Backups: Consider creating local backups on an external hard drive or computer for an extra layer of protection.

Organize Your Media: Regularly organize and delete unnecessary photos and videos to save space and make your backup process more efficient.

By following these methods and using the tools available, you can easily and effectively back up your photos and videos on your Android phone or tablet. Remember that keeping your memories safe and accessible is essential for a worry-free digital experience.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. Introduction

Just about everyone brings their smartphone or tablet with them wherever they go. Unfortunately, this means that those devices are almost always in danger of getting lost, damaged, or stolen. Making sure those devices are backed up means that you're protected no matter what happens. In order to back up everything on your Android device, you'll need to make use of two different tools: Google Drive & Google Photos.

This guide will take you through the use of Google Photos to back up your device's photos and videos.

Tools You'll Need:

• An Android phone or tablet
• A working internet connection
• Your Google account

-->

Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

-->  

Before You Begin:

• Your Android device must be logged into your Google Account.

What about settings and apps?

While Google Photos can save your device's photos and videos, it will not backup apps, settings, and contacts. Backing up these items requires that you use Google Drive and the built in back up system.

Google Drive must be used for settings backup

• How to Backup an Android Phone or Tablet

2. Back Up Using Google Photos (Android)

1. Open the Google Photos app on your phone or tablet.
   

1. You may be prompted to log into your Google account upon launching the app.
2. Tap the Menu bars.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Back up & sync.
   

1. Switch Back up & sync to On.
   

1. We recommend that your Upload Size be set to High quality, as Google provides unlimited storage for photos using this setting.
   

1. Google Photos will automatically begin backing up the photos and videos on your device. The amount of time a back up will take is entirely dependent upon how many photos and videos you have stored on your device. It may take hours to fully complete the first back up. Luckily, your Android device can still be used normally while the back up process is being performed.