Edgar Cervantes / Android AuthorityI previously shared a list of my favorite Google Photos features. However, there is so much more to explore within this app beyond just storing your photos. For those who are looking for some advanced tips and tricks, here are some niche but useful features for power users.
1. Capture a video frame
Sometimes you may want to extract a specific frame from a video to save as an image. This can be useful for sharing a particular moment without sending the entire video. To do this, simply go to the video in your library, tap the screen to bring up the options, select Edit, and then use the slider to find and export the desired frame.
2. Make a shortcut for your screenshots
For quick access to your Google Photos screenshots, you can create a shortcut on your device’s home screen in just one tap. Simply tap and hold the Google Photos icon on your home screen, select View screenshots, and then drag the option to create a shortcut.
3. Lock away sensitive media
To protect sensitive photos and videos, you can use the Locked Folder feature. Items placed in the Locked Folder are secure with password access and not visible in the main library or shared albums. To set up the Locked Folder, tap and hold the media you want to move, select Move to Locked Folder, and follow the prompts to secure the folder.
4. Delete from your device
Once your photos are backed up to Google Drive, you can easily free up space on your device by deleting them. Simply swipe up on an image, select Delete from device, and confirm the action.
5. Archive images
For photos and videos you want to keep but don’t want to see frequently, you can archive them. This moves the media to the Archive folder, where they are still accessible but not displayed in the main library.
6. Find recently added photos
If you want to view recently added photos separately from your timeline, you can use the search function to display images in the order they were added to the library.
7. Change metadata
You can edit the date, time, and location of photos in your library by tapping and holding an image, selecting Edit date and time or Edit location, and making the desired changes.
8. Auto-crop documents
Google Photos can automatically crop documents from images for better clarity. Simply select Edit, then Crop, choose Auto, and save or create a copy of the cropped document.
9. Stabilize videos
To reduce shakiness in videos, use the Stabilize video feature by selecting Edit, then Stabilize video, and saving the processed footage.
10. Declutter storage
Check your account storage in the app to manage and free up storage space by removing unnecessary files.