---
id: data-transfers.transfer-google-photos
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-google-photos
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Paired devices and plan storage"
question: "Can I transfer my Google Photos library with Data Transfers?"
alt_questions:
  - "copy google photos to external drive"
  - "google photos transfer storage studio"
  - "move google photos to another cloud"
  - "back up google photos to my drive"
short_answer: "Not directly right now — Google Photos isn't available to add as an account since Google's 2025 rule change. Export with Google Takeout, then use Data Transfers to copy or move the downloaded files."
tags: ["google photos", "takeout", "not available"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-to-external-drive-to-save-space", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-can-i-transfer-between"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I transfer my Google Photos library with Data Transfers?

Not directly right now. Google Photos isn't available to add as an account at the moment — Google changed its rules for third-party apps in 2025.

The route that works is **Google Takeout**: export your photos from takeout.google.com, download the archive to your Mac or external drive, and then use Data Transfers to copy or move those files wherever you want them.

Related: [Cloud accounts](https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/) · [Download to your external drive](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-to-external-drive-to-save-space)