All versions

• Unlimited free photo backup

  (Google Photos no longer offers free unlimited photo backups)

  1. Install the latest version of Google Photos:

     https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.photos

  2. Open the Photos app

  3. Get Started > check Back up & sync > Continue

  4. Select High quality > Continue

  5. (Optional) Disable the built-in Gallery app (to help keep everything in sync)

     • Settings > Apps > swipe to the right until you get to the All tab > scroll down to Gallery and tap it > Disable

• For better battery life

  • Activate Battery saver

    • Settings > Battery > Menu > Battery saver > Turn on automatically > at 15% battery

  • Disable scanning when wifi/bluetooth is off

    • Android 6 (Marshmallow) and higher

      • Settings > Location > Menu > Scanning
        • Uncheck Wi-Fi scanning
        • Uncheck Bluetooth scanning

    • Android 5 (Lollipop)

      • Settings > Wi-Fi > Menu > Advanced > uncheck Scanning always available

  • Disable apps you don’t use

    • Settings > Apps > swipe to the right until you get to the All tab > click on each app you don’t use > Disable

• Disable animations (for better performance)

  1. Settings > About phone

  2. Scroll all the way down and tap on Build number until it says You are now a developer

  3. Settings > Developer options

  4. Under the Drawing section, turn all of the Animation scale options to Animation off

Android 4.4 (KitKat) only

• For faster performance

  1. Settings > About phone

  2. Scroll all the way down and tap on Build number until it says You are now a developer

  3. Settings > Developer options > Select runtime (near the bottom) > Use ART > OK