How to Automatically Backup Photos and Videos on Android
Our Android devices are more than just phones; they are also capable of portable cameras and camcorders. This article will help you automatically backup photos and videos from your Android devices so that even if you lose the physical storage, your memories will stay safe.
I love taking pictures with my Android smartphone. Over the years I have taken more than a few thousand pictures, thankfully all were automatically backed up on cloud storage services. I even use two services to make sure nothing gets lost. This guide will be taking you through the process of installing multiple apps on your Android device. Those apps are the ones which will take care of uploading and keeping your photos and videos safe.
I recommend that you try out the different methods and then select the one which perfectly suits your own needs. All of the methods are valid ones but will be storing your pictures on cloud services, much like the iCloud app on iOS. If you feel uncomfortable backing up photos on cloud services, it is totally understandable. However, you will need to manually save the videos and photos to physical media.
Related: Android Backup
Method 1: Google+ Auto Backup
Almost every Android phone is coming with the obligatory Google+ on it these days. This is a social media app made by the same people who make our favorite mobile OS. This method will involve the very same app for storing photos online. If you don’t have the app on the phone I suggest that you get it or follow another method listed below. Among the three methods here, Google is probably the most protected host.
1.
Here is the link for Google+ app. You will simply need to download it and run it from the drawer after it is installed.
2.
After you have logged in with your Google account, you will likely see a screen like this. Simply click on the three vertical dots to access the pop-down menu.
3.
After that simply go into the settings and you will see the Auto-Backup option. This is the option which will automatically backup photos and videos on your device.
4.
Once inside, turn on the option by clicking the switch on the top right side of the screen. The greyed out screen will turn accessible. From there you can adjust the settings and tune them to you needs.
This is it; from now on your photos and videos will be backed up on Google. If you want you can expand the storage by installing Google Drive and Gmail as well. This will increase the overall size of the online storage.
Method II: Dropbox Auto Backup
Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage services around. I have personally used it for almost 4 years now and it is one of the most reliable apps out there. The best part is that you can tether your PC with the app as well. Your photos will be ready to download on your PC when you turn on the app and it will also sync all your devices together.
Related: Box vs Dropbox vs Google Drive: Best Android Cloud Storage Service?
1.
Download the app from the Google Play Store. Here is the link:
2.
After the app is downloaded and installed, simply boot it up from the icon. From there you will be asked to make an account. I usually give in my Gmail account for everything Android. The signup is fairly easy and will give you a few GB of storage upon activation.
3.
Now you will see the main screen of the app. Here is what I see when I launch the app:
4.
Now press the menu button or the physical key on your device and a sub-menu will pop right up. From there select the Settings option.
5.
Once inside, scroll a bit down and you will see the “Turn on Camera Upload” option.
6.
Tap on the Turn on Camera Upload button and several options will appear on screen. Now you can manage how and when the app automatically backup your photos.
Method III: OneDrive Auto Backup
OneDrive is the cloud storage which Microsoft provides for its users. Not a while back this service was kind of exclusive to windows devices. But now Microsoft has launched the app on Android platform as well. I personally like to use Microsoft Windows for entertainment, gaming and work. Their products are familiar and reliable so naturally I was curious about testing their latest offering. OneDrive is a good way to automatically back pictures with ease.
1.
If you don’t have the app, simply follow the link below and click on install.
2.
After it has been properly installed, tap on the icon to launch the app. You will be presented with fairly standard signup screen. Simply enter the details and you will be ready to go.
3.
Now you will be taken to the following main screen. Click on the three horizontal lines on the top left side of the screen.
4.
From there go to the settings and look for an option called Camera backup. Tap on that icon and you will be taken to another screen.
5.
Click on the switch to turn on automatic backup for your photos.
6.
A new set of options will open up allowing you to customize your preferences. You can even automatically backup videos with a simple check of an option.
Conclusion
These were the best apps for automatically backing up your photos and videos from Android. While many smartphone Manufacturers come with dedicated cloud storage options, I always urge users not to stick with them. The beauty of Android is its openness and all three of these apps are compatible with any Android device you have. By using a manufacturer’s backup services you are binding yourself to that one particular service which may or may not be available on other devices. If you have any questions or need details about a certain step, feel free to contact me in the comments below.
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