Moving Photos from Google Photos to Google Drive: A Comprehensive Guide

Since the discontinuation of automatic synchronization between Google Photos and Google Drive in July 2019, users have been left with the challenge of transferring their photos manually. This guide provides detailed steps to facilitate a seamless transition, ensuring your precious memories remain secure and accessible.

Overview

With the end of automatic syncing, manual methods for transferring photos between these two services have become necessary. This article outlines three distinct methods to help you efficiently move your photos to Google Drive. Whether you are looking for a simple one-file-at-a-time approach or a more streamlined solution using Google Takeout, our methods will guide you through the process with ease.

Method 1: Download and Upload

Step 1: Download Photos from Google Photos

Begin by accessing your Google Photos library. Once you have selected the photos or albums you wish to move, use the following steps:

Select the photos you want by clicking on them. Use Shift, Ctrl, or Cmd on a Mac while holding down to select multiple photos. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner to open more options and select Download. You'll receive a ZIP file of the selected photos.

Step 2: Upload to Google Drive

Once you have downloaded your photos:

Go to Google Drive and click on the New button on the left side of the screen. Select File upload or Folder upload as appropriate. Choose the downloaded ZIP file from your computer and upload it to Google Drive.

Method 2: Use Google Takeout for Efficient Transfer

If you have a significant number of photos, using Google Takeout can be more efficient. The process involves:

Visit Google Takeout. Unselect all options and find Google Photos to select it. Scroll down and click on Next step. Configure your export preferences including file type and frequency, and click Create export. This might take some time based on your photo count. Once the export is ready, download the ZIP files to your computer. Follow the upload steps mentioned in Method 1 to transfer the photos to Google Drive.

Method 3: Use Mobile App (Android/iOS)

If you prefer a mobile solution, you can:

Open the Google Photos app on your Android device or the appropriate app on your iOS device. Select the photos you wish to move and tap the Share icon. Select Save to Drive to transfer them to Google Drive. Select the folder in Google Drive where you want to save the photos and tap Save.

Important Notes

Ensure you have sufficient storage in your Google Drive account to accommodate the photos. The download and upload process may take time depending on your internet speed and the number of photos. Regular backups and organization within Google Drive can help maintain easy access to your photos.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully move your photos from Google Photos to Google Drive, ensuring both security and accessibility of your cherished memories.