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Google Photos redesign adds persistent M3 Expressive backup indicator

Google Photos for Android is getting a very prominent and persistent redesign of its backup indicator that leverages Material 3 Expressive.

“Google Photos” no longer appears in the top-left corner of the app. Instead, you just get the service’s icon — much like the Google Play Store — that briefly appears upon opening the app. After a few seconds, it animates/spins out (like a pinwheel) into a “Backup complete” chip complete with cloud icon. If you tap or drag down, Google will tell you how many photos are backed up to your account. 

When something is updating, the rounded pill first says “Preparing backup” before advancing to “Backing up photos” with a circular progress indicator that is wavy. Tapping gives you more details like how you can “Keep the app open for faster backups.” This new indicator does not distinguish between photos and videos.

  • Google Photos Backup redesign
  • Google Photos Backup redesign
  • Google Photos Backup redesign
  • Google Photos Backup redesign
  • Google Photos Backup redesign

At the moment, this new backup indicator coexists with the old ring around your account avatar in the top-right corner with more details in the profile menu. It’s certainly more prominent and eye-catching than before, while the new one always tells you that Google Photos backup is enabled on your device. Some might not need or like this constant reminder, but backing up your photos to the cloud is arguably pretty important. 

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We’re seeing this Backup redesign more widely rolling out with Google Photos 7.39 today, but it’s not yet fully available.

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com