How to move photos to Google Photos

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read

Expert Verified

Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To move photos to Google Photos, you can use the Google Photos app on your mobile device or the web interface on your computer. Simply upload your images directly from your device or computer to your Google Photos account for easy access and backup.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you begin moving photos to Google Photos, ensure you have the following:

•A Google account to access Google Photos.
•Sufficient storage space in your Google Drive (15 GB free, more available through subscription).
•A stable internet connection for uploading photos.
•The latest version of the Google Photos app installed on your mobile device (available on iOS and Android).
•For desktop users, a supported web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).

Method 1: Uploading Photos via Google Photos App

This method is ideal for mobile users who want to quickly upload photos directly from their device.

•Step 1: Open the Google Photos app on your mobile device.
•Step 2: Tap on the '+' icon located at the top right corner of the screen.
•Step 3: Select 'Upload' from the dropdown menu.
•Step 4: Choose the photos you want to upload from your device's gallery.
•Step 5: Tap 'Upload' to start the process.
•Step 6: To verify, check the 'Photos' tab to see if the images appear in your library.
•Step 7: If it doesn't work, ensure you have a stable internet connection and check your Google account settings.

For Windows 11

To upload photos via the web on Windows 11:

•Open your preferred web browser and navigate to photos.google.com.
•Click on the 'Upload' button (cloud icon with an arrow) located in the top right corner.
•Select 'Computer' and navigate to the folder containing your photos.
•Select the photos you want to upload and click 'Open'.
•Confirm the upload by checking the 'Photos' section.

For Windows 10

To upload photos via the web on Windows 10:

•Open your web browser and go to photos.google.com.
•Click on the 'Upload' button (cloud icon with an arrow) in the top right corner.
•Choose 'Computer' and find the photos you wish to upload.
•Select the desired photos and click 'Open'.
•Verify the upload by checking the 'Photos' section.

Method 2: Using Google Drive to Upload Photos

This method is useful for users who prefer to upload photos from their computer using Google Drive.

•Step 1: Open Google Drive in your web browser.
•Step 2: Click on the 'New' button on the left sidebar.
•Step 3: Select 'File upload' or 'Folder upload' depending on your needs.
•Step 4: Navigate to the photos you want to upload and select them.
•Step 5: Click 'Open' to start the upload process.
•Step 6: Once uploaded, open Google Photos to see the uploaded images.
•Step 7: If the photos do not appear, ensure that the Google Photos app is linked to your Google Drive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while moving photos to Google Photos, consider the following solutions:

•Error: 'Upload failed' - Solution: Check your internet connection and try again.
•Issue: Photos not appearing in Google Photos - Fix: Ensure that the Google Photos app is synced with your Google account settings.
•Problem: 'Storage full' message - Workaround: Free up space in your Google Drive or purchase additional storage.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these power user tips:

•Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) - Select all photos in a folder for upload.
•Command line: Use 'rclone' for advanced users to sync folders directly to Google Photos.
•Hidden feature: Use the 'Assistant' tab in the Google Photos app to create albums and collages automatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best experience, regularly back up your photos and familiarize yourself with the Google Photos interface.