Turn on Pixel device backup in Settings > Google services > Backup, then configure Google Photos separately for photos and videos. They are two different backup paths, so check both—and confirm each has finished—before you reset or replace your phone.
Set up Pixel device backup
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Open Settings and tap Google services > Backup. Turn on the backup control and choose the Google Account where you want the backup saved. Labels can vary slightly by software version. Google’s Android backup instructions explain the settings and account selection.
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On the Backup screen, open Backup details. Review the data categories and apps listed so you know what this device backup covers.
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To check the saved backup later, open Google Drive and go to Storage > Backups. Review the listed device backup and its last-modified date.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Google Pixel 11 Pro - Unlocked Smartphone, Gemini - 256 GB - Obsidian- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Back up photos and videos separately in Google Photos
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Open Google Photos, tap your profile picture, then go to Photos settings > Backup.
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Turn on Backup if needed and confirm that the selected Google Account is the one you intend to use.
Rank #2
Google Pixel 10a - 30+ Hours Battery, Camera Coach, Gemini - Obsidian 128GB- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
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To include more than the camera roll, open Back up device folders and select the folders you want uploaded. Enable Back up all device folders if you want new device folders to be included automatically.
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Check the mobile-data settings and daily limits if you want to restrict uploads to Wi-Fi or control cellular data use. Google’s Google Photos backup instructions describe folder selection, status checks, and mobile-data controls.
Know which backup covers what
Device backup and Google Photos backup are separate. Device backup covers the categories and apps shown in Backup details; Photos handles photos and videos uploaded through the Photos app. Google says photos, videos, and contacts are synced to their respective services rather than included in the device backup. Therefore, seeing device backup enabled does not confirm that your pictures or other device folders have uploaded.
Do not assume every app’s private data will transfer or restore. Google notes that transfer availability varies by device and that some data from apps specific to other manufacturers may not transfer. Check the listed backup details and the app’s own guidance for anything essential.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Check storage and photo quality
Google says each Google Account comes with up to 15 GB of storage shared across services such as Photos, Drive, and Gmail. The actual free space available depends on what is already stored in the account. If space is low, review storage and remove unneeded files or consider buying more. Google Photos’ backup-quality help page explains the quality options and storage use.
| Google Photos setting | Resolution | Storage implication |
|---|---|---|
| Original quality | Stores media at the resolution taken. | Counts toward Google Account storage. |
| Storage saver | May reduce storage use; check the current setting details for how it handles your media. | Designed to use less account storage than Original quality. |
Choose based on whether retaining the original resolution or conserving shared account space matters more to you. Check the current setting and available account storage before a large upload.
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Verify both backups before a reset or replacement
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Device data: Return to Settings > Google services > Backup and inspect Backup details. In Google Drive, check Storage > Backups for the recorded device backup and its last-modified date.
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Photos and videos: Check the Backup screen in Google Photos for upload status, and check an individual item’s backup status for media that matters.
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Account and folders: Confirm the correct Google Account is selected and that the folders you need are enabled.
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Wait until the relevant backup and photo uploads are complete before erasing the phone. Google recommends backing up before transferring data or resetting a device. Its restore instructions describe restoring a cloud backup during setup on a replacement phone. The documented post-setup restore flow is for Pixel 9 and later; restore choices depend on device generation and account, and the relevant flow allows restoration from only one previous device.
Use a computer for an optional local copy
A USB cable can be used to transfer files manually between a Pixel and a computer. This is an additional way to copy local files, not a step required to enable automatic Google Account backup. Google documents the process in its Pixel file-transfer instructions.
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