Google Photos is a leading photo backup and sharing app on Android that also presents powerful editing tools to help you enhance your photos and videos. Once you back up your photos and videos on Google Photos, they remain private unless you allow others access by sharing.
That’s why Google Photos gives extra attention to this sharing need and has incorporated many methods to share photos and videos. In this article, we will explore the various sharing options available in Google Photos on Android and guide you on how to use them.
Before you embark on these guides, make sure you’ve got the latest version of theGoogle Photosapp on your Android device, and ensure you are signed in with your Google account. Once you have that in check, you are ready to proceed.
Share Directly With Other Google Photos Users
Google Photos helps you share photos, videos, and albums directly with other Google account users. You only need the recipients in your contacts list, though you can still search for their name, phone number, or email address. Remember, the phone number will only work if it is associated with a Google account.
To share with one person from the suggested contacts, tap their name, add an optional message in the next screen, and tapSend.
If the person is not among the suggested contacts, tap the search icon or scroll the list to the right and tap onMoreto open the entire contact list. While on this list, you can select multiple recipients and tapNextin the top right corner. Then, add an optional message and tapSend.
You can also send photos and videos to a group of people simultaneously. To do this, tap theNew groupicon, select the recipients, tapNextin the top right corner, add a message, and tapSend. Remember, the recipients can see each other’s names in group sharing.
This method creates a conversation-like thread where you and the recipients can add likes, comments, and more photos and videos.
Share via Nearby Share
Nearby Share is Google’s rival to Apple’s Airdrop. This feature has gained traction, as you’re able to evenuse Nearby Share to share files between Android and Windows. In Google Photos, you can use this feature to transfer photos or videos to people near you quickly and seamlessly without needingapps that help share large files. Here are the steps to follow.
Switch your attention to the receiver device, then:
TapAccepton the receiver device to allow the transfer. The recipient can then tapOpento view the video or image.
Share via a URL Link
If the person you wish to share photos and videos with does not have a Google account, or they use one of thepopular Gmail alternative email providers, you can create a shareable link for them instead. This link can also be shared on social apps, messaging apps, embedded on websites, and more.
The link will be created and automatically copied to the clipboard, ready for you to paste into supported apps. In addition, you will see a list of suggested apps at the bottom for quick sharing. Use theMoreoption to open the entire list of apps and recommended people you can share with.
Share via a Partner Account
Another way to share photos and videos in Google Photos is by adding a partner account. Still, you have total control over which photos and videos get shared automatically with your partner. Use the following steps toset up partner sharing.
Double-check that you have selected the correct details for your partner and tapConfirm.
An invitation will be sent to your partner for them to accept. Once they do that, they will gain access to your shared photos. Note that you may only set up one partner account at a time.
Share Directly to Other Apps
This is your go-to method when sharing a video or photo from Google Photos to social apps, email services, SMS apps, printing services, Bluetooth,messaging apps, and more on your Android device.
Share Albums With People and Allow Them to Add Images
On Google Photos, you may use the following steps to create a shared album that allows other people to collaborate with their own images and videos.
Unshare Images, Videos, and Albums on Google Photos
When it comes to a time you need to unshare photos, videos, or entire albums for some reason, follow the steps below.
To remove the possibility of the person ever seeing your album again, remember to turn off theLink sharingoption. If you want to add another person to the album, use theInvite peopleoption below theMemberssection label.
Enjoy Convenient Sharing on Google Photos
Overall, Google Photos offers multiple sharing options that bring the flexibility of sharing your photos and videos in the way that suits your needs. Better yet, you have sharing controls to help you manage privacy options like who can see, download, or add comments to your photos and videos.
