Yes, Google Photos requires an internet connection to function properly.
How Google Photos Uses the Internet:
- Uploading Photos: When you take a photo with your phone or camera, Google Photos needs an internet connection to upload it to your Google account.
- Syncing Photos: Google Photos automatically syncs your photos and videos across all your devices, which requires an internet connection.
- Accessing Photos: To view your photos on different devices or share them with others, you need an internet connection.
- Using Google Photos Features: Features like creating albums, editing photos, and using Google Lens all require an internet connection.
Google Photos Offline Access:
While Google Photos primarily operates online, you can access some features offline:
- Downloaded Photos: You can download photos to your device for offline viewing.
- Offline Backup: You can choose to back up your photos and videos while connected to Wi-Fi and access them later even when you are offline.
However, most features, including sharing, editing, and using advanced features, still require an internet connection.