By Paul Monckton
Publication Date: 2025-11-30 18:17:00
The Android factory reset screen explicitly lists “Photos” as data that will be permanently erased. Do not press this button until you verify your backup online.
PAUL MONCKTON
Key Takeaways
- Google’s “hidden” deletion. Google Photos doesn’t back up this folder by default. Keep your photos safe.
- Don’t trust your mobile app: You can miss files that haven’t been backed up.
- Do the web test: How to be 100% sure your photos are backed up.
Nov 30 Update below: I’ve added another hidden trap that could cause you to quietly lose Google Photos data in a way you probably won’t notice until it’s too late.
Also fixed some formatting for clarity. This article was originally published on November 28
With Black Friday madness driving smartphone sales through the roof, millions of users are effectively migrating their digital lives this weekend as they unbox their shiny new iPhones, Pixels and Samsung Galaxies.
However, when transferring a Google Photos library, several pitfalls must be…
