Google Photos Chat: How to Start a Conversation

Google Photos lets you share photos and videos with friends and family directly in the app. The messaging feature, called “Conversations,� is a private chat space where you can send and receive shared media, comment on it, and keep everything in one thread. This guide shows you how to start a chat in Google Photos on both Android and iOS, covering the exact taps you need and what to do if the option isn’t showing up.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account signed into the Google Photos app (Android or iOS).
• The Google Photos app updated to a recent version (the feature is available on the current versions).
• At least one photo or video in your library to share (you can also start a chat without media, but the share button is the usual entry point).
• The person you want to chat with must have a Google account and the Google Photos app installed (or access via the web).

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Google Photos app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you’re signed in to the Google account you want to use.
2. Tap the “Sharing� tab at the bottom of the screen (the icon looks like a person with a plus sign). This is where all your shared albums and conversations live.
3. Tap the “Chat� icon – usually a speech bubble icon in the top right corner of the Sharing screen. If you don’t see it, look for a “New conversation� button (often a pencil or compose icon).
4. Select the contacts you want to start a conversation with. You can search by name, email address, or phone number. You can add multiple people to create a group chat.
5. Tap “Next� (or the checkmark) after choosing your contacts.
6. Add a photo or video – the chat will open with an option to attach media. Tap the “Add� button (usually a plus or image icon) to pick from your library, or you can take a new photo/video with the camera icon.
7. Write a message (optional) in the text field at the bottom. You can just send media without a text message.
8. Tap the send button (the paper plane icon). Your conversation is now created, and the recipient(s) will get a notification.

If you want to start a chat from a specific photo instead:

9. Open any photo or video in your library.
10. Tap the “Share� icon (the arrow pointing up from a box, usually at the bottom or top of the screen).
11. Choose “Create a conversation� from the share sheet (you may need to scroll through the app suggestions).
12. Select your contacts and tap “Send.� This will create a new conversation with that media attached.

Common Mistakes

• Not looking in the Sharing tab: The chat feature is not on the main Photos tab; it’s under “Sharing.� If you tap the Photos tab and expect to see chats, you won’t find them.
• Using the wrong Google account: If you have multiple accounts, the conversation you start will be linked to the account currently active in the app. Make sure you’re on the account you want to use.
• Sharing to a regular email instead of a conversation: When you tap Share on a photo, you might accidentally send it as an email or a link instead of creating a chat. Look for the “Conversations� option specifically.
• Expecting SMS or WhatsApp-style chat: Google Photos conversations are only for sharing media and comments within the app. You can’t send generic text messages like a normal messaging app – the chat is tied to the photos you share.
• Forgetting to update the app: If you don’t see the Chat icon, your app might be outdated. Update Google Photos from the Play Store or App Store.

Tips

• Use group conversations for events: Instead of sending photos one by one, create a group chat for a trip or party and add all the people involved. Everyone can see and comment on the same photos.
• Turn on notifications: Make sure notifications are enabled for Google Photos in your device settings so you know when someone replies or shares new media.
• Save shared photos: In a conversation, you can tap the download icon on any photo to save it to your library. This is handy when someone shares a photo you want to keep.
• Use the search bar in chats: If you have many conversations, use the search function at the top of the Sharing tab to find a specific chat by name or contact.
• You can chat without sharing media: You can start a conversation and just send a text message (like “Hey, here’s the album�) – but the primary purpose is media sharing, so the text box is less prominent.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see the Chat icon or “New conversation� option.

• Update Google Photos to the latest version.
• Check if your account is a work or school account – some Google Workspace accounts might not have the conversations feature enabled. Try switching to a personal Google account.
• Clear the app cache: Go to your device settings > Apps > Google Photos > Storage > Clear Cache (this won’t delete your photos).
• Restart the app or your device.

I can’t add a specific person to a conversation.

• They might not have a Google account, or they haven’t used Google Photos before. You can only add people who have a Google account.
• If you’re typing an email address, make sure it’s the one linked to their Google account.
• For phone numbers, the person must have their phone number linked to their Google account and have Google Photos installed.

My message won’t send.

• Check your internet connection – you need a stable data or Wi-Fi connection to send messages and media.
• If you’re sending a large video, it might take time to upload. Wait for the upload to finish before closing the app.
• If the recipient has blocked you or removed you from the conversation, you’ll see an error. You can’t force a message through.

I started a chat but the other person says they didn’t get it.

• They might have notifications disabled for Google Photos. Ask them to check their notification settings.
• They might have the app closed and haven’t opened it – they’ll see the conversation when they open the app.
• If you used an email address, they might have multiple Google accounts – they need to check the account you sent it to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a chat without sharing a photo?

Yes, you can start a conversation and just type a text message, but the feature is designed around sharing media. The text box is available in the chat, but the main purpose is to share photos and videos.

Can I use Google Photos chat on my computer?

Yes, you can access conversations on the Google Photos website (photos.google.com). Click on the “Sharing� tab, and you’ll see your conversations. You can send messages and media from there.

Is the chat end-to-end encrypted?

No, Google Photos conversations are not end-to-end encrypted. They are protected by Google’s standard security measures, but they are not as secure as dedicated encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp.

Can I delete a conversation?

Yes, you can leave or delete a conversation. Open the conversation, tap the three-dot menu (top right), and choose “Leave conversation� or “Delete conversation.� Deleting removes it from your view, but the other participants will still have it.

Can I add someone to an existing conversation?

Yes, in a conversation, tap the three-dot menu and select “Add participants.� You can add more people, but they will see the entire conversation history.

Do I need to pay for this feature?

No, conversations are free. However, media shared in conversations counts toward your Google account storage (15 GB free, shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos). If you’re over the limit, you might need to free up space or subscribe to Google One.

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