Google Photos prepares cloud backup for locked folder

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Google Photos initially rolled out Locked Folder to Pixel phones before bringing it to other Android devices in late 2021, and is now working on adding cloud backup.

About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we have decompiled the latest version of an application that Google has uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we were able to see various lines of code inside that hint at possible future features. Please note that Google may or may not provide these features, and our understanding of what they are may be flawed. However, try to allow the ones that are closest to the end to show you what they will look like if they are shipped. With that in mind, read on.

The Locked Folder hides images and videos from the main “Photos” grid and search, as well as the system file picker. Existing images that have already been uploaded are deleted from the cloud if you decide to move them to the Locked Folder. As Google Support explains (emphasis ours):

Items in the Locked Folder saved on the device are not moved to other devices during cable or cloud data transfers. If you uninstall the Photos app or clear the Photos app data, you will lose all items in the Locked Folder. To save these items, remove them from the Locked Folder before making any changes.

Version 6.23 (via Android Police) of Google Photos contains strings detailing how you’ll be able to “Back up photos and videos in the locked folder on this device to your Google Account.” It will be interesting to see if the currently Android-only locked folder becomes available on the web as a result. If so, it might be confusing the lines with the “Archive” feature.

Since Locked Folder was launched, some users have not realized the lack of a cloud backup, especially when buying a new device. It seems that backups are always expected in Google Photos and the app is accepting this now.

Cloud backups for the Google Photos locked folder are optional and have not started yet.

Back up the locked folder

Backup is disabled

The backup is active

Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which some APK Insight teardowns benefit from.

Kyle Bradshaw contributed to this article.

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