How to secure your Google Photos ahead of Google Album Archive shutdown

If you've been a regular user of Google Hangouts or other now-defunct messaging apps, you might have received some unfortunate news: Google is shutting down, the platform where images and videos shared on older Google services were stored.

To ensure you don't lose your precious content, it's important to back it up before the shutdown takes effect.

How to back up your Google Photos ahead of Google Album Archive shutdown

Download Your Album Archive Data via Google Takeout

Google advises users to download a copy of their Album Archive data using Google Takeout. This will enable you to receive a download link through your email or transfer the data to reliable cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

Take Note of Important Dates and Content

Google has notified users that starting July 19, certain content stored within Album Archive will be permanently deleted.

This includes Google Hangouts data, background images uploaded in the Gmail theme picker before 2018, as well as small thumbnail photos, album comments, and likes. It's crucial to act before this date to safeguard your data.

Ensure Access to Content via Other Google Services

While Album Archive will no longer be available after July 19, the support page suggests that you may still be able to access your content through other Google services such as Blogger, Hangouts (now Chat), Google Photos, and your default Google Account.

It's advisable to explore these alternatives to maintain access to your stored media.

To prevent the loss of your cherished memories and media, take immediate action to back up your Album Archive data using Google Takeout.

Remember to be mindful of the July 19, 2023 deadline for data deletion and explore other Google services for continued access.

Also watch: Facebook users in panic as countless photos are mysteriously deleted worldwide