13 Google Photos settings to change on a new Android or iPhone

Google Photos enables a number of settings by default that are convenient for Google, but not always beneficial for the user. A ZDNet editor has shared a list of 13 items that they always check on every new Android or iPhone before granting the app access to the camera.

What's wrong with the defaults

Most users accept all settings at first launch — and don't realize that in doing so, they're allowing the app to synchronize photos over mobile data, transmit shooting coordinates in shared links, and send images to Google's servers for AI processing. The problem isn't that these features are inherently bad — some of them are genuinely useful. The problem is that users should make a conscious choice, not discover unexpected data consumption or a geolocation leak a month later.

Backup and storage

The first section covers backup management. By default, Google Photos syncs over any connection, including mobile internet. It's recommended to switch to "Wi-Fi only" and select appropriate upload quality.

• Sync only over Wi-Fi — a key setting for saving data
• Upload quality: "Compressed" saves space, "Original" preserves full quality but fills your free 15 GB storage faster
• Exclude folders — screenshots, photos from messengers, and temporary files typically don't need to be in the cloud
• Account selection — with multiple Google accounts, make sure the backup goes to the right one
• Local folders in feed — by default, Google Photos shows photos not uploaded to the cloud, creating confusion about actual backup status

Privacy and geolocation

Google Photos uses several features directly related to privacy. Face recognition — "People and pets" — helps search for photos with a specific person, but biometric data is processed on Google's servers. In some regions, you can disable this feature.

Geolocation data in links is a separate issue. When sharing a photo with a standard link, Google Photos transmits shooting coordinates to the recipient. This means that the person on the other end can learn the exact address of your home or route. This setting can be disabled in the privacy section.

"Geolocation in links — this is a setting most users don't know about

until they face the consequences," explains the ZDNet editor.

It's also worth checking which third-party apps have access to your library through the Google Photos API: the list can be longer than expected.

AI features and memories

Google Photos actively integrates AI: Magic Eraser removes unwanted objects from the frame, Photo Unblur restores blurry images, Best Take combines multiple versions of a group photo into one. All these features work through cloud processing.

The "Memories" feature automatically creates collections from photos from previous years and sometimes shows photos that the user would prefer not to recall. In the settings, you can exclude specific dates, people, and time periods from rotation. Automatically created collages and animations can also be disabled.

What this means

Five minutes tweaking Google Photos settings at first launch — this is an investment in control over your own data. The app remains one of the best tools for working with photos, but its default configuration is optimized for Google's interests, not the user's. Making conscious choices about settings allows you to get convenience without unnecessary compromises.