How to remove background from photos on Android

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Removing the background from photos on Android can be accomplished using various apps and tools designed for this purpose. This guide will provide detailed methods to help you achieve a clean background removal, whether using built-in features or third-party applications.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start removing backgrounds from photos on your Android device, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •Android device running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later.
  • •Sufficient storage space (at least 100MB free for apps and edited photos).
  • •Access to the Google Play Store to download necessary apps.
  • •Permissions to access your device's storage and camera.

Method 1: Using Google Photos

Google Photos offers a built-in feature for removing backgrounds from images. This method is straightforward and effective for most users.
  • •Step 1: Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
  • •Step 2: Select the photo you want to edit.
  • •Step 3: Tap on the 'Edit' icon (pencil icon) at the bottom of the screen.
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Adjust' and then select 'Cutout' from the options.
  • •Step 5: Use your finger to trace around the subject you want to keep. The background will be automatically removed.
  • •Step 6: Tap 'Save' to confirm your changes.
  • •Step 7: Verify that the background has been removed by viewing the edited photo.
  • •Step 8: If the cutout is not satisfactory, repeat the process or use the 'Undo' option.

For Android 11 and later

Android 11 introduced enhanced photo editing features in Google Photos.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: You may find additional tools for fine-tuning the cutout, such as 'Refine' or 'Erase'.

For Android 10 and earlier

The cutout feature may be less refined in older versions.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: Expect less precision in automatic selections; manual adjustments may be necessary.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps available that specialize in background removal. This method is ideal for users looking for more control and advanced features.
  • •Step 1: Download and install an app like 'Background Eraser' or 'PhotoRoom' from the Google Play Store.
  • •Step 2: Open the app and select the image you want to edit.
  • •Step 3: Use the 'Auto' or 'Manual' tool to select the background. The 'Auto' tool typically detects edges automatically.
  • •Step 4: Adjust the selection using the eraser or restore tool for any missed areas.
  • •Step 5: Once satisfied, tap 'Save' or 'Export' to save the edited image to your device.
  • •Step 6: Verify the edited image in your gallery.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while removing backgrounds from photos, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'Unable to save changes' - Solution: Ensure you have enough storage space on your device.
  • •Issue: 'Background not removed properly' - Fix: Use the manual selection tools to refine your cutout.
  • •Problem: 'App crashes during editing' - Workaround: Restart your device and try again or update the app.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your background removal skills with these advanced tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: N/A - Most apps do not support keyboard shortcuts on mobile.
  • •Command line: N/A - Command line tools are not applicable on Android devices.
  • •Hidden feature: Look for 'Batch Processing' in apps like PhotoRoom to edit multiple images at once.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, combine automatic and manual tools to achieve a clean cutout.