Verifying Google Photos Backup Before Switching Android Devices

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Check current backup status

   Open the Google Photos app. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner to open the account menu. Look for the status indicator labeled Backup complete or Backup is on.

   Note: If the app displays 'Backing up', wait until the process completes before proceeding.
2. 1 min

   Confirm folder backup settings

   Tap your profile icon and select Photos settings. Tap Backup, then select Back up device folders. Ensure the toggles are enabled for all folders containing photos you wish to migrate, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, or Screenshots.

3. 1 min

   Cross-reference via web browser

   Open a web browser on a computer or separate device and navigate to photos.google.com. Log in with the same Google account used on your current phone. Scroll to the bottom of your library to ensure the most recent photos appear.

   Note: This is the definitive test to confirm that files have successfully reached Google servers.
4. 30 sec

   Check for remaining items

   Return to the Google Photos app and tap the Library tab. Check the folder labeled 'Locked Folder'. Items stored here are not backed up to the cloud by default and must be moved or manually backed up before resetting your phone.

   Note: Locked Folder items are encrypted and local to the device.
5. 1 min

   Perform a final manual sync

   Return to the main Photos view. Swipe down from the top of the screen to trigger a manual refresh. Observe the status bar at the top; if it indicates that items are being uploaded, keep the device plugged into power until the backup is fully complete.

   Note: Keep the screen active during this final sync to prevent the operating system from suspending background uploads.