Is Google Photos encrypted?
No. Google can see your Google Photos library. Your photos are encrypted on the way and on Google's servers, but Google holds the keys.
Checked on 25 October 2026 against 4 sources.
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- Your photos and filesGoogle can read itEncrypted on the way and on Google's servers with keys Google holds, and the Locked Folder uses the same standard encryption.1, 2, 3
- Shared links and albumsGoogle can read itShared albums and links are stored the same way as the rest of your library.1, 3
- Post-quantumNot yetNo post-quantum protection for stored photos announced as of 25 October 2026, though Google has added it to connections to some of its servers.4
- Who holds the keys
- Google holds the keys to your photos and videos.
- What Google can still see
- Your photos and videos themselves, your activity in the app, and the people you share with, as Google's privacy policy describes.
Email is worth checking next: Gmail, Outlook and iCloud Mail can all read your mailbox. See which email services can.
Is Google Photos end-to-end encrypted?
No. Google says it protects your photos with encryption on the way and while they are stored on its servers1. That keeps strangers out, but Google holds the keys.
No end-to-end encryption for Google Photos announced as of 25 October 2026.
Can Google see my photos?
Yes, its systems can. Google's privacy policy says it collects the photos and videos you save, and uses automated systems that analyze your content, for example to detect spam, malware and illegal content3.
Google says Photos doesn't sell your photos, and doesn't use them for ads unless you choose to share data with other Google services1. It says face groups are visible only to you, and you can turn them off1.
Is the Google Photos Locked Folder encrypted?
Not with a key only you hold. Google says the Locked Folder is protected by Google Photos' standard encryption practices2. It hides photos behind your phone's screen lock, and anyone who knows that lock can open it2.
If you turn on backup for the Locked Folder, you can open it from other devices signed in to your Google Account2. If you don't, the items stay only on that phone and can be lost if you uninstall the app or lose the phone2.
How Google Photos compares
Sorted by how many parts are sealed by default, then by how many can be. Ties go A to Z.
Sources
- Google Photos Safety & Privacy Features (Google Safety Center), Google. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
- Hide sensitive photos & videos in Locked Folders (Google Photos Help), Google. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
- Google Privacy Policy (effective 16 October 2026), Google. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
- PQC in Plaintext: Google Cloud's post-quantum cryptography roadmap (12 August 2026), Google. Read on 25 Oct 2026.
Changes to this answer
- First published.