Google Photos may finally let you schedule backup with a new option

Google Photos has added several new AI features in the last few months. (File photo)

Google Photos has rolled out several new AI-powered features, including natural language editing, a revamped video editor, and tools to automatically create highlight videos, further cementing its position as one of the best photo and video editing and backup services of all time.

Despite offering a wide range of advanced features, Google Photos lacked a basic option that lets users choose exactly when their photos and videos are backed up. As it turns out, the tech giant is reportedly testing a new option called ‘Backup schedule’ that may let users choose the specific time or choose a set time frame like daily, weekly, or monthly.

According to a report by Android Authority, the option was discovered during the APK teardown of Google Photos v7.58.0.853810532. As you can see in the image above, the Backup section in the Google Photos settings screen is also getting the Material 3 Expressive treatment.

Google appears to be updating the settings menu with a Material 3 Expressive design. (Image source: Android Authority)

Google also seems to be repositioning options, including Backup Mode, Backup quality and Backup device folder, in their own containers and separating them under new sub-categories like ‘Backup tools’, ‘What to back up’ and ‘How to back up’. Unfortunately, the option does not seem to be working at the moment, and it is still unclear if and when the new feature will make its way to the stable version of Google Photos.

The report goes on to say that the functionality could be similar to Android’s auto-backup feature, which automatically backs up your data, like apps and app data, call history, contacts and others to your Google-linked account.

In the last few months, Google Photos has added numerous intuitive features, like Help me edit, a new Gemini AI-powered functionality that eliminates the need to select tools and adjust sliders, Material 3 Expressive redesigned UI, ability to undo backups on Android and more.