Google Photos

Getting Things Set Up

First Things First

To get started, we first need a bit of set up. In this lesson, we'll learn:

  1. Where Google Photos stores your content.

  2. How to access Google Photos on your phone and computer.

Your Google Account

Google Photos is an online or Internet service. Google Photos securely stores your information on Google's computers in your Google account. Since everything is centralized, you can easily share and access your photos anywhere.

You can access your content by signing in to your account. You will need to know your account id (Gmail address) and your password (a secret combination that only you know). Once you have signed in, your device can automatically remember your access information. If you have a Gmail address, you already have a Google account and can use it with Google Photos.

If you don't have a Google account, you will have a chance to make one the first time you use Google Photos. We'll cover those details below.

Access Google Photos on a Computer

Use your computer's Internet browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.) to go to photos.google.com. You may have to sign in if you don't immediately see your photos.

If you are not already signed in, click the Sign-in button to access your account. Then, enter your email address and password.

If you don't have a Google account, click the Create account link to set up a Google account. It's always a good idea to write your password before entering it. Keep this information in a safe place.

Be sure to fill out the recovery information. This information will help you if you ever have a problem with your account. Use a unique password that you don't use anywhere else.

Using Google Photos on a Phone or Tablet

If you don't already have the Google Photos app installed, you will need to add it. On an iPhone or iPad you can get the Google Photos app from the app Store. On an Android device, use the Google Play Store to get the app.

The first time you run Google Photos, it will ask you to sign in to your Google Account. Enter your email and password, or create an account if needed.