10 Awesome Google Photos Tips and Tricks (2020)
Google Photos is an amazing cloud-based photo gallery app that offers free unlimited storage for your photos and videos. The only catch is that photos larger than 16 MP and videos higher than 1080p are automatically compressed to save space. However, the difference in quality is hardly noticeable, especially on a smartphone screen.
Recently, Google Photos has undergone several changes, thanks to the Pixel feature drop. These updates include manual face tagging, background blur, scanning texts out of photos, and much more. In this article, we will explore the best tips and tricks to make the most out of Google Photos.
1. Turn off compression
By default, Google Photos compresses the original images after uploading. However, if you don't want your photos to be compressed, you can change the photo upload quality from ‘Highest' to ‘Original'. This ensures that your photos and videos are backed up in their original size. Keep in mind that this option limits your storage to 15 GB, unless you have a Pixel device which offers free original quality photo and video backup storage.
2. Manually tag people in Google Photos
Google Photos has an excellent face recognition algorithm, but sometimes it may make mistakes. If the algorithm messes up, you can manually edit the face tags. Simply tap on the three-buttons at the top-right corner of the app and select the face tagged in the picture. You can then edit or manually tag the person. Additionally, if you name these face tags, you can ask Google Assistant to show their photos directly.
3. Local Photos
Google Photos is a cloud-based gallery app, so it doesn't display local (not uploaded) photos on the Home Page. To check the photos stored locally on your device, head over to the Albums tab and look for the album list called “Photos on Device”.
4. Google Photos Web Portal
Google Photos also provides a convenient web app that allows you to quickly download and upload photos. This is particularly useful for transferring photos between your mobile device and desktop. However, depending on the backup mode you choose, your photos might be compressed.
5. Create Collages and Animations
In the app, you will find the “For you” tab. Here, you can see a collection of auto-populated movies and create new sections. The create new section feature allows you to create collages, animations, and more. Just select a bunch of photos and Google will create a video accordingly. If you have a Pixel device or use GCam, you can even create portrait animations.
6. Create Movie from Templates
On the same “For you” tab, you will find an option to create movies. There are pre-defined templates available to choose from, or you can create a custom movie. Google will automatically add animations and transitions to your movie.
7. Scan & Search Text in Photos
Thanks to Google Lens integration, you can easily scan objects or text in pictures. For example, you can copy a phone number or email address from a picture using Google Lens instead of typing it manually. The app can also distinguish between pictures based on faces, locations, occasions, and even text. This allows you to search your pictures by name, location, or text content.
8. Background Blur
Google Photos automatically detects human portraits and offers the option to add background blur. Simply open a portrait photo taken by the Google Camera app and tap on “Blur Background”. You can adjust the background blur using a slider and save it as a separate copy. This feature works on both uploaded and local photos.
9. Feeling Lucky
Similar to Google search's Feeling Lucky button, Google Photos has a Feeling Lucky option. It shows you random photos from your trips, pets, memories, and more. It's a great way to reminisce and take a trip down memory lane. To access it, long-press the Google Photos icon and tap on “Feeling Lucky”.
10. Shared Albums in Google Photos
If you've been sharing photos and videos using Google Drive, you'll be pleased to know that you can do the same in Google Photos. Simply select an album or a single photo and tap on the share option. You can send it to a Gmail ID and all shared albums or photos can be seen on the Sharing tab. You can even chat within the shared window.
These are just a few of the awesome tips and tricks that Google Photos has to offer. They will surely enhance your experience and help you make the most out of the app. If you have any questions or issues regarding Google Photos, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”