ZDNET Recommends 13 Google Photos Settings to Tighten Privacy and Cut Storage Use
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 27
ZDNET Recommends 13 Google Photos Settings to Tighten Privacy and Cut Storage Use
1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 27
Summary
ZDNET’s latest guide says Google Photos should get a settings audit on every new device, highlighting 13 changes aimed at privacy, security, storage control, and a less cluttered app experience.
The guide puts backup choices first: verify the correct Google account, enable backup with limited photo access, disable cellular uploads, use overnight Wi-Fi backups, and pick Storage saver over original quality to avoid filling shared Google storage.
AI controls are a second focus. ZDNET recommends turning off Ask Photos or Gemini entirely, or at least limiting Gemini-powered memories, title suggestions, personalization inputs, and saved activity tied to photo queries.
It also urges users to review memories, sharing activity, notifications, suggestions, and location settings, while warning that Google Photos’ 'Free up space' tool can remove local copies once items are backed up.
Beyond Photos itself, the report points to separate Google Search controls—Search Services History and Search Personalization—as additional checks for people using Lens, AI Mode, or other visual search tools.