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Turn on device backup in Pixel Settings, then configure Google Photos separately for pictures and videos. They are two different backup paths, so check each one—and confirm both have finished—before resetting or replacing your phone.

Turn on Pixel device backup

  1. Open Settings and tap Google services > Backup. Labels can vary slightly by software version. Follow the on-screen control to turn on backup and choose the Google Account where you want it saved. See Google’s Pixel backup instructions.
  2. On the Backup screen, open Backup details. Review the listed data categories and apps so you know what this device backup covers.

Device backup is not a guarantee that every app’s private data will transfer or restore. Google notes that transfer availability varies by device, and data from apps specific to other manufacturers may not transfer.

Set up Google Photos separately

Photos and videos are handled through Google Photos, not simply by turning on Pixel device backup. Google also identifies contacts and media as synced to their respective services and separate from device backups. Configure Photos independently:

  1. Open Google Photos, tap your profile picture, then go to Photos settings > Backup.
  2. Make sure Backup is on and that the selected Google Account is the one you intend to use.
  3. Tap Back up device folders and enable any additional folders you want uploaded. Camera photos and other device folders are managed here. If you want new folders included automatically, turn on Back up all device folders.
  4. Review the mobile-data usage controls and daily limits if you want to restrict uploads over cellular data.

Google’s Google Photos backup guide explains these settings. Turning on Photos backup does not mean every device folder is included; check the folder selections that matter to you.

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Google Pixel 11 Pro - Unlocked Smartphone, Gemini - 256 GB - Obsidian
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Understand what each backup includes

Backup path What it covers Where to set it up Where to verify
Pixel device backup Categories and apps shown under Backup details Settings > Google services > Backup Backup details, or Google Drive’s Storage > Backups view
Google Photos backup Photos and videos, including selected device folders Google Photos > profile picture > Photos settings > Backup The Photos Backup screen and the status of individual items

Google’s instructions for Pixel backup and restore and Photos backup describe these as separate systems. For that reason, a successful device backup alone is not evidence that your camera roll or other folders have uploaded.

Check storage and photo quality

Google says each Google Account includes up to 15 GB shared across services such as Photos, Drive, and Gmail; the figure is Google’s stated account allowance, and its current help page shows no publication year. If space is low, you can remove unneeded files or buy more storage. Check available account space before a large upload. Google’s Photos quality and storage guidance describes the choices:

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  • 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]
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  • 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]
  • Original quality keeps media at the resolution taken and counts toward account storage.
  • Storage saver can reduce the storage used, with a tradeoff in retained resolution.

Review the selected quality and remaining storage in the account you chose for Photos backup; do not assume the account has room simply because device backup is enabled.

Verify backups before a reset or replacement

  1. On the Pixel, return to Settings > Google services > Backup and check Backup details for the device backup status.
  2. To inspect the recorded backup and its last-modified date, open Google Drive and go to Storage > Backups.
  3. In Google Photos, check the Backup screen for completion and inspect the status of important items. Confirm that the folders you need are included.
  4. Only erase the old phone after confirming the device backup is present and Photos has finished backing up the media that matters to you.

Google recommends backing up before transferring data or resetting a device. Its restore guidance describes restoring a cloud backup during setup on a replacement Pixel; for Pixel 9 and later, Google also documents a post-setup restore flow. Restore choices depend on device generation and account, and the relevant flow allows restoring from only one previous device. Consult Google’s current restore instructions for the phone you are setting up.

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When a local copy is useful

If you also want files copied to a computer, Google documents transferring files between a Pixel and a computer with a USB cable. That is a manual file transfer, not a step required to enable automatic Google Account backup. See Google’s file-transfer instructions.

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  • 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
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  • 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]

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