Android users can soon automatically back up their photos and videos to their PC for free. Google has included this feature in its release notes for Google Play services v26.43, which uses Quick Share to transfer copies of media to a nearby Windows computer.
Quick Share is a wireless file-sharing feature that allows users to send files to nearby devices, including Windows computers and iPhones. The new automatic backup feature will use Quick Share’s functionality to back up photos and videos when the devices are nearby.
Since these backups happen locally, users won’t need to rely on cloud storage or remember to initiate transfers. This feature is free and doesn’t require a separate cloud service subscription. Google Photos can also back up media, but as of earlier this year, more data from Android backups counts toward the Google Account storage cap.
To use the feature, users will need to initiate backups in the Quick Share for Windows app, with their Android and Windows devices in close proximity and signed into the same Google Account. They can then toggle Automatic backups on and change settings for what gets backed up and where.
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The transfers will occur wirelessly in the background. While early hints suggested that Samsung phones and PCs might be excluded from automatic backups, the release notes do not specify any further details. Google will likely roll out this feature gradually, providing Android users with a convenient way to back up their media for free.
The Quick Share for Windows app will play a key role in facilitating these automatic backups. Users will need to have this app installed on their Windows computer to initiate backups. They will also need to ensure that their Android and Windows devices are signed into the same Google Account, allowing them to toggle Automatic backups on and change settings as needed.
This means that users who rely heavily on Google Photos for backup may need to consider alternative options, such as the new automatic backup feature.
