Google Photos' Backup Nag Is Malicious UX, Users Say
How do I permanently disable Google Photos pop-up prompt to backup my photos?
A Google support thread reveals growing frustration with Google Photos' recurring pop-up urging users to back up their photos, which many describe as invasive and deceptive. Users report that the prompt appears weekly, defaults to enabling backup, and can be difficult to dismiss, leading to accidental cloud uploads. Some suggest workarounds like using the app without an account, while others call for boycotts and one-star reviews. The thread highlights a broader criticism of Google's dark patterns and its impact on vulnerable users.
The UI is designed to trick people to sign up.
- hiisukun
This exact issue was the final straw for me ditching google photos! I had previously been using syncthing to sync & backup the photos, same as other files on my phone and laptop.
I now use Immich [1] (mentioned elsewhere in this thread but without the proper link), having purchased a single-payment lifetime family licence. There is, as I understand it, no benefit to me to purchase it. After a month of use it was clear this was going to stay in use for quite a while, and the author(s) have done a fantastic job. So feel free to give it a shot, alongside google photos app on your phone, and see how you feel.
It's not for everyone though, as I have an old computer at home running as a 'server' that can host immich. There's a certain nerd level requirement (that this forum should be full of) to get it set up. For users though? It's so far seamless -- my partner uses the app on her phone and likes it just fine. The backup works for her and there's a single button to click to clear space on her phone that just deletes things immich knows are on our home server already. Very useful.
I still open google photos app to edit videos occasionally -- it's better at that, and I do still use the google built in 'camera' app, so I'm kind of using google photos while I take pictures if that makes sense.
- richardfey
For pixel owners: the Google photos app cannot be uninstalled, but you can disable it using adb.
- speedstyle
I use Ente photos [0] without logging in, just as a local gallery. Since their backup solution is E2EE, it does everything on-device – face/object search, map view, memories
[0] https://ente.com