In addition to Apple’s default Photos app, you can also install Google Photos on iOS. These are seven useful functions that Google Photos offers.
Google Photos functions on iOS
Google Photos has been available for iOS since 2015. Since then, the app has received a lot of updates and so possibilities have been added. That is why here is an overview with all functions.
1. Advanced search
Google Photos has an excellent search engine. Google is particularly good at image recognition, so that the app can find an old photo of a dog, for example, if you search for ‘dog’.
The search bar can be found directly at the top of the screen. If you tap this, you will also get options to filter your images. For example on screenshots or selfies that you have taken, videos that have been saved or photos taken with your iPad.
2. Create or have collections made
In Google Photos it is possible to create photo albums. To do this, tap the three dots at the top right of the screen and tap ‘Album’. There you choose photos that you want to put in the album. Albums can then be found via the Albums tab at the bottom of the screen. There you will also see collection of photos bundled on places and things (such as forests, birds, boats and even yoga).
The app also creates albums for you. You can find it at the Assistant tab. Not only are albums and videos placed there that the app makes for you, but you also get, for example, tips, suggestions for archiving photos and a notification if photos have been edited on another device.
3. Quickly edit photos
With Google Photos you can easily edit your photos. To do this, tap a photo and then tap the edit button at the bottom of the screen (three lines with sliders). Here you picture a filter (press a second time on a filter to adjust the strength), adjust the light and color and crop the photo.
4. Unlimited storage and sharing
Google Photos lets you store unlimited snapshots. You do not have to pay for this. Only you have access until you choose to share individual photos or entire albums. You can use the standard sharing options for this, but you can also create a link. To do this, press the share button and search for ‘Create link’. Send the link of, for example, your album or any collection of photos to someone.
You can also share via the Share tab at the bottom of the screen. There you can also see what you have previously shared. Tap on that, then tap on the three dots at the top right and then ‘Sharing options’. There you indicate that you want to stop sharing, or that others can add photos and videos to the album themselves.
5. Quick clean up
Do you want to free up space on your iPhone by archiving photos? Then you can use the clean-up option. To do this, go to the menu and tap ‘Free up space’. The app then tells you how many items will be removed before you agree to it. These photos and videos are of course still stored in the cloud.
6. Add partner
It is possible to give someone constant access to your photos. This way you don’t have to keep sharing all your new snapshots with, for example, your partner. To do this, go to the menu and tap ‘Add partner account’. You choose what you want to share. These can be all photos, but also only photos of specific people or from a specific day. This way you don’t have to clean up your old photos before you give someone access.
7. Upload photos to your TV via Chromecast
There is always a Chromecast button at the top of the app. Press this, choose your Chromecast and then choose a photo or video to show it on your television. Handy if, for example, you want to share the photos of a trip with your friends or family. Do you want to quit? Then press the same Chromecast button.
→ Download Google Photos from the App Store (free)