Google · iPhone & iPad
Stop Google Photos Backup on iPhone
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
In Google Photos, go to profile picture > Settings > Backup and turn Backup off. Existing cloud copies remain until you remove them separately.
Confirm which Google Account is backing up
Open Google Photos and tap your profile picture or initial. Check the account name and backup status shown at the top. Backup is controlled per Google Account, so verify the active account before changing anything, especially if several accounts are signed in on the iPhone.
Turn off Google Photos Backup
Tap Google Photos settings, open Backup, and switch Backup off. This stops Google Photos from uploading new items from this iPhone to the selected Google Account. It does not turn off iCloud Photos, change the iPhone camera, or remove items that Google Photos already backed up.
Verify that new uploads have stopped
Take a harmless test photo, leave Google Photos open briefly, and inspect that photo's backup status. It should remain stored only on the iPhone unless another Google Account or another device is backing it up. Recheck the profile menu if the app still reports Backup complete.
Optionally restrict photo-library access
For a stronger device-level restriction, open iPhone Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos > Google Photos and change access to None, or choose limited access if you still want to select individual items. This also prevents normal browsing and editing of unshared library items inside Google Photos.
Handle existing cloud copies separately
Turning Backup off does not delete photos already stored in Google Photos. Before removing any cloud copy, check its backup status and ensure another copy exists where you want it. Deleting inside Google Photos can also affect the device copy when the app still has Photos permission, so follow the warning shown.
Avoid unnecessary resets
Reinstalling Google Photos is not required to disable Backup and can obscure which account or permission caused the behavior. If uploads continue, check every signed-in account, shared-library arrangements, and other devices first. Use Google's current backup guidance before deleting data or changing Apple photo settings.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If uploads continue, check the active Google Account, other signed-in accounts, partner sharing, and other devices before reinstalling the app.
- If you cannot browse photos after revoking access, restore limited or full Photos permission without turning Backup back on.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.