TL;DR
Google Photos appears to be testing a new "Optimize backup for battery life" toggle found in app version 7.59 that aims to reduce background uploads. The change, discovered by Android Authority, could limit backups when the app isn't in use and may be paired with other forthcoming backup settings and a redesign of the Backup page.
What happened
Developers working on Google Photos have added a new setting labeled "Optimize backup for battery life" to the app's Backup settings; the control was reported in version 7.59 by Android Authority. The toggle's description says the device "may back up less often when you're not using the app," which suggests the app could delay or minimize background uploads and possibly run backups primarily when the user opens Photos. The feature would reduce the app's tendency to drain a phone's battery during large media uploads. The report also points to additional work on the Backup page, including an item called "Backup schedule" and a Material 3 Expressive redesign of the Backup page. Google has not publicly confirmed these features or provided a timeline for when they might reach users.
Why it matters
- May reduce battery drain from frequent background uploads of photos and videos.
- Could delay immediate cross-device availability of newly captured media if background uploads are limited.
- Adds a battery-focused option to existing controls like Wi‑Fi-only and mobile data restrictions.
- Signals Google is reworking Photos' backup controls and UI to give users more choices.
Key facts
- A new toggle labeled "Optimize backup for battery life" was found in Google Photos version 7.59.
- The toggle's description says the device "may back up less often when you're not using the app."
- Android Authority reported the discovery; the change appeared in the app's Backup settings.
- Limiting background backups could make recently captured photos or videos unavailable across devices until a manual or on‑open sync occurs.
- Google Photos already offers Wi‑Fi-only backup and options to limit or block mobile data uploads.
- An earlier charger-only backup option existed in Photos but was removed in 2017, according to the report.
- Separately, a "Backup schedule" option and a Material 3 Expressive redesign for the Backup page have also been spotted.
- None of these features have been officially confirmed by Google or given a public rollout date.
What to watch next
- Whether the toggle will fully stop background uploads or only reduce their frequency — not confirmed in the source.
- If a charger-only backup option will be reinstated alongside the new toggle — not confirmed in the source.
- Details and options for the reported "Backup schedule" setting, such as preset intervals or custom times — not confirmed in the source.
- When Google will officially confirm or release these changes to the wider public — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Backup: The process of copying photos and videos from a device to cloud storage so they can be restored or accessed from other devices.
- Background upload: Automatic transfer of files from an app to the internet while the app is not actively in use.
- Wi‑Fi-only backup: A setting that restricts uploads so they occur only when the device is connected to a Wi‑Fi network, avoiding mobile data use.
- Material 3 (M3) Expressive: A design language and UI style guide from Google intended to refresh app appearance and interaction patterns.
Reader FAQ
Will this toggle stop all background backups?
Not confirmed in the source. The description says the device "may back up less often" when the app isn't in use, but exact behavior isn't specified.
Will my photos still be accessible on other devices immediately?
The source suggests limiting background uploads could delay availability across devices, but specifics are not confirmed.
Is Google rolling out a backup schedule feature?
A "Backup schedule" option was spotted in the Backup page, but how it works and what choices it offers are not confirmed in the source.
When will these features be available to the public?
Not confirmed in the source. Google has not announced timing or a wider release plan.
Google Photos backups may soon play nice with your phone's battery By Chethan Rao Published 31 minutes ago Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the weekend news…
Sources
- Google Photos backups may soon play nice with your phone's battery
- This new Google Photos feature could be great for your …
- Google Photos tests battery-saving backup option
- I have 17000 photos to back up in Google Photos, but it …
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