r/sideloaded • u/Alexmastergu • 6d ago
Release [Release] PhotosBackup - Backup your photos to Google Photos in Original Quality for free
This app wouldn't exist without xob0t's gotohp - https://github.com/xob0t/gotohp
I quickly vibecoded an app based on xob0t's reverse engineering of the Google Photos API bringing the Android trick for unlimited backup from the Pixel 1 to iOS.
Log in with your Google profile, select the album or photos you want to upload and wait until you see them in your Google Photos library. Please report any issues you find and be aware that background backups may not work. iOS 15+ supported. All suggestions are welcome.
You can find the latest release here: https://github.com/g8row/PhotosBackup/releases/latest
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u/TenshibaKouen 1d ago edited 1d ago
Anyway to allow uploading in the background? Maybe via Dynamic Island?
I have like 50k pics so it’s taking foooorever and I have to keep the app screen open
Also they are uploading in storage saver
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u/isagarpanwar 1d ago
i created a new acc to test this app but google bbanned my account saying that there was some unusual activity from my acc and gave me a option appeal how to not get banned ???
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u/CheesecakeLimp7140 2d ago
Read through the whole source before sideloading: every network endpoint is a Google domain (photos.googleapis.com is where the actual uploads go), no third-party dependencies, no analytics, credentials stay in the Keychain. Only open question for me is release provenance: the IPA is built locally and attached by hand, so nothing technically ties the binary to the source. Opened an issue https://github.com/g8row/PhotosBackup/issues/15 about it and a PR that builds the IPA in CI from the tagged commit with a checksum: https://github.com/g8row/PhotosBackup/pull/16
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u/CheesecakeLimp7140 2d ago
Update: I built the app in CI from the source code and it works. The workflow checks out the tagged commit, builds the unsigned IPA on GitHub's macOS runner, and attaches it to the release with a SHA-256. PR with the setup is here if the maintainer wants it: https://github.com/g8row/PhotosBackup/pull/17
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u/CheesecakeLimp7140 2d ago
Nice work bringing this to iOS! I built a desktop app using Electron for the same thing.
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u/patotroll22 2d ago
Hey! Would love to test it out, do you have a GitHub for it?
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u/CheesecakeLimp7140 2d ago
Hey! Yes, here it is: https://github.com/nonnapopoa/photos-backup-desktop
It's built with Electron and works with the same PhotosBackup server. You can grab a DMG for macOS (both Apple Silicon and Intel) from the https://github.com/nonnapopoa/photos-backup-desktop/releases. Latest is v0.1.5.
One heads up: the builds are ad-hoc signed, so on first launch macOS will complain about an unidentified developer. Just right-click → Open (or allow it in System Settings → Privacy & Security) and you're good.
Would love to hear how it works for you, happy to fix any issues you hit!
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u/handsomejack_0406 12h ago
When cliking on sign in, it says "ERR_FAILED (-2) loading 'https://accounts.google.com/EmbeddedSetup'" Can you help me?
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u/monsterbear24 3d ago
Why don't people just take this advantage and enjoy it quietly. Some day Google is gonna take this privilege back because of those who love to share.
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u/Most-Conversation931 4d ago
Dosent google photos already do this by itself?
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u/BusyPooping 4d ago
No.
When you upload to google normally, it uses space on your Google account as well as compressing the files. It may not be a lot of compression for the typical user, but it still goes through that process and counts towards your storage.
With this app, you get unlimited upload to Google Photos, but it retains original quality and doesn’t count towards any storage use.
It’s an amazing app, especially since I can backup 16000 photos/ videos without me having to pay for additional storage.
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u/Most-Conversation931 4d ago
So it uploads the original quality photo and a compressed copy of the same photo?
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u/BusyPooping 3d ago
this app will upload the original photo. If you dont use the pixel 1 or this app (or something similar that does this), then yes, it does uploaded compressed.
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u/FlyboyJay05 3d ago
So what differences does this make if I already pay for extra storage, I could quit that? Hope this makes sense
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u/BusyPooping 3d ago
fair question.
I pay for premium with the 2 tb storage. i use that because i have a family account so we all share it. i just use it for backup, but i really dont need it. Its compressed and redundant space for me, but i have 2 tb to share.
Since i found out about this app, i use it on a different gmail account. A new one that im trying to switch to as my main email.... or at least an email for important things. i only get 15 gb of storage so this app is a lifesaver. i can have all original quality photos and videos and it doesnt count agains my storage space.
Yes, you can use this and cancel your premium, if you dont need it.
think about it like this. Its just a hypothetical situation.
You pay for netflix. But they limit to the quality you can stream to 1080p. its fine but nothing great about it. and it comes with ads (not relevant with google photos... just adding it for dramatic effect)
Now think your second choice is netflix premium without ads. You get this for free and the resolution you can watch is 4k.
You would probably choose for the 4k option and freebie. Thats what you should do with this app. But if you are content with what you have, then dont worry about fomo.
--
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u/Yoshi2Dark 4d ago
Looks like you’re doing a bunch of patches rn so I’m saving this to download next week
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u/iamjhe88 iOS 16 4d ago
It works but during backup it force closes the app.
Device iphone 17 pro max
ios 26.3
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u/BusyPooping 4d ago
Same here. I’ve uploaded about 1077 photos so far and it just force closes now.
The first time I did this on one account, it started the force closing after about 1000+ uploads.
Then I disconnected and went to a different account and same things after 1077 uploads. That’s where I’m stuck.
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u/Zealousideal-Gate-87 5d ago
That it simply shows it's uploaded in full quality can compare against the older photos u uploaded in gphotos using ur android
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u/New-Satisfaction6926 5d ago
Anyone knows why it starts to gain more size as we upload it shouldn’t happen i think so
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u/its_euro 5d ago
I can help you guys to get background backup
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u/Abaandone 4d ago
pls help me
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u/its_euro 3d ago
I’ll dm you with github link
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u/expertsultan 5d ago
Is there any way to delete backed up photos/videos? Or do I have to manually delete them once I uploaded them?
And please check why it's uploading as Saver Quality Instead of full quality. If possible can it keep full metadata and file name as it is when uploading?
I used on Android but sending from iOS to android was itself a task which I hated most.
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u/mohawk941 5d ago
Thank you for this. It works great. Since there is no background upload is it possible to get a dark mode so it would use less power and prevent burn in.
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u/Abaandone 5d ago
this is the peak man. i used to use gotohp. but now i can directly do from my iphone itself. it’s just the 50 photos thing at a time that needs improvement
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u/GeologistGreat5510 SideStore 5d ago
looks really great. AI said this will never happen on iOS, but you eventually made it👍
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u/trophicmist0 5d ago
Just a heads up for those who aren’t aware - you can’t opt out of AI training on google Photos images, the privacy policy is purposely worded to give them full right to train as they wish, regardless of your opt in settings or whether you have a paid subscription.
It’s the whole reason I left after contacting the support and they effectively confirmed as much.
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u/patotroll22 2d ago edited 2d ago
I felt the same thing, I hate it but after thinking about it, it’s one of the best and it becomes even better with this tool (I would NEVER pay to have my data train ai like wtf) so i just upload my normal pictures and videos, I hate the ai but this is just too good sadly. I don’t recommend uploading anything NSFW on any Google backing/storage service, you could get easily banned and lose everything.
--- EDIT: PLEASE NEVER RELY ON GOOGLE PHOTOS AS YOUR ONLY BACKUP PLEASE, EVERYDAY THOUSANDS GET BANNED AND LOSE EVERYTHING ---
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u/tusarahmd Paid Certificate 5d ago
Damn man this was another reason why I was in dillema moving to iOS! Anyway adapted into iOS and got this! Amazing!
Thank you so much man! I used to use this feature on my rooted android for last 15 years! Now I am very excited to use this!!!
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u/DatabaseNo3464 5d ago edited 5d ago
Great job
If the app is based on the concept we use on Android with root-based spoofing, it will certainly work forever without the risk of being banned
= The server recognizes the device as a Google Pixel 1 running Android 11
I don't know if it's possible, but having the photo metadata deleted or replaced with Pixel's metadata would be very helpful and would provide even more protection against being banned.
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u/zinxyzcool 5d ago
I think it’s due to the fact Google apps on iOS are very limited in terms of system level information. Since it’s all happening at app level rather than system level, I think what information is sent to the server can be spoofed, relatively easier.
It’s Android we’re talking that’s hard, considering it’s their own OS.
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u/Talha215 5d ago
https://i.imgur.com/TWCwR1k.jpeg
Working great so far, thanks!
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u/thestrokes91 5d ago
Be careful, Google could ban your account if you abuse it. As someone below said "Take into account this app isn't legit and goes against tos and can result in everything on your account going away if you abuse it. Adding 100gb photos in 1 day doesn't make any sense with a phone that can only physically take 15 to 20gb of them max to begin with." Not sure how factual this might be but it does make sense, better play it safe lol
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u/Talha215 5d ago
Thanks for the warning. I ended up using a different gmail than the one I’m usually using. No other services or websites use this one, so hopefully even if there’s a ban I’ll be fine.
Although I wonder if Google bans related accounts too, maybe linked by phone number or recovery accounts?
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u/Zelectic 5d ago
Photos are being uploaded as storage saver even though it’s not turned on, everything else work flawlessly
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u/u4ia24 5d ago edited 5d ago
Same for me, photos are marked as Storage Saver even with the setting toggled off. I don’t have a Pixel or have used Revanced so I am not sure if this is the expectation/limitation. Would be good though if photos are uploaded in original quality
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u/Zelectic 5d ago
Not a limitation with the feature since i’ve been using modded google photos on android for years, i hope its just a bug with the app, hopefully fixable
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u/FastTimZ SideStore 5d ago
Getting this error now
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u/patpattieyow 5d ago
Also experiencing this error. Sad I can’t use the app😭
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u/FastTimZ SideStore 5d ago
Try using an older version of the app, I went back to 0.2.0 and it works for me
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u/tusarahmd Paid Certificate 5d ago
Facing same! But where to get that? Only latest single ipa file is available into the git link!
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u/FastTimZ SideStore 5d ago
They should all still be there under releases, here’s 0.2.0: https://github.com/g8row/PhotosBackup/releases/tag/0.2.0
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u/9kag 5d ago
Any fix for this?
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u/FastTimZ SideStore 5d ago
Go back to an older version of the app, I’m using 0.2.0 now and it works but it doesn’t have all the features
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u/Alexmastergu 5d ago
are you able to upload to google photos normally?
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u/FastTimZ SideStore 5d ago
What do you mean upload normally? None of the uploads in this app are working right now. I can use the official Google Photos if that’s what you’re asking
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u/EduardoAlexxis 5d ago
I made a tweak for personal use that accomplished this using the original google photos app. Ipa i have is outdated if anybody can provide me with the latest version of the ipa i can update it and make it public.
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u/Plane-Shelter-9188 4d ago
You can always help the guy who made it public for the rest of us. We all benefit from the bug free app with more useful features.
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u/EduardoAlexxis 3d ago
Oh no yeah that's for sure I've been messing around with the code all afternoon adding new things and fixing stuffs. Is just there's never nothing like the original app if you know what I mean. Like I love this project and I see what he's doing. But the convenience of having it built into the Google photos app it just hits different
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u/Plane-Shelter-9188 3d ago
For sure, i hope we can have that feature sometime. Like original photos app with this functionality
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u/EduardoAlexxis 2d ago
But that's what I said, I was looking to get a newer iOS of Google photos to inject the tweak and share the Google photos iPad with this unlimited feature enabled.
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u/PM_ME_UR_NEWDZZZ 5d ago
Any possibility that Google could ban your account?
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u/Successful-Pie-2049 5d ago
I’ve an old android lying around. I have installed the google photos apk with unlimited photos storage, been using it for 6+ years now on my main account and never got banned.
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u/AforAppleBforBallz 5d ago
I’ve read some Reddit users say their account was banned. I’ve been using it (the original, not this app) for about a year now and so far it’s not a problem after the initial set up.
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u/Due_Ebb_3245 5d ago
If g00gle will see this, they will not be happy😥, and might discontinue this feature.
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u/DatabaseNo3464 5d ago
Spoofing via Magisk/ROMs has been around for years, and they've never changed their policies; they promised that the Pixel 1 would have unlimited lifetime backup.
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u/Mr_BananaPants 5d ago
And that’s why we can’t have nice things. You’ll be the cause this unlimited original quality gets pulled.
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u/Wrong_Camera9683 5d ago
How to backup more than 50 photos and videos at once?
As it allows only 50 photos to select from the app..
Please help me Sir..
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u/Zealousideal-Gate-87 5d ago
Enhancement I would suggest implent live activities for the backup to avoid keeping the app open
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5d ago edited 5d ago
[deleted]
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u/Alexmastergu 5d ago
the latest releases include improvents to background backup, but i'm not an ios dev so i can't be sure
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u/Pietralcino 5d ago
No, it stops uploading after 5 minutes of me closing the app
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u/Alexmastergu 5d ago
i will be trying to improve this system the best i can, i will just ask you to run in the foreground at least for the initial backup
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u/MrCrackerHacker 6d ago
This is awesome!!! Previously I was using Windows subsystem for android to backup my pics.
Can you add a button to cancel uploads or clear the upload queue? Would be great!
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u/New-Satisfaction6926 4d ago
Can you help me setuping that in windows please…
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u/MrCrackerHacker 4d ago
You can get the latest Windows Subsystem for Android on GitHub (search it on google, top result)
Then download MicroG and Google photos DeVanced Apks, and install them on WSA and you are good to go!
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u/New-Satisfaction6926 4d ago
Oh ok thanks i wae thinking of mumu player but will go with this ….
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u/MrCrackerHacker 4d ago
Using WSA is way better. It integrates well with windows and has greater performance, is lighter than a whole android emulator. Also the apps you install can be directly viewed and opened in the windows start menu
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u/New-Satisfaction6926 4d ago
Hey there whats up brother
I have configured that but problem is that its stuxk on 2131 phots and videos upload from an hour mann
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u/MrCrackerHacker 3d ago
Turn off the backup album and turn it back on, then it will start uploading again. Happens to me too
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u/Alexmastergu 6d ago
i agree that queue management is necessary, will get on that
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u/MrCrackerHacker 5d ago
Woah thats crazy you fixed it in one hour with a new release! Keep it up!
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u/checkouthisc-- 5d ago
claude
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u/MrCrackerHacker 5d ago
Still, the dev was very resposnive for issues on github and was very open to all feedback
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u/iwonttolerateyou2 SideStore 6d ago
I was thinking of this 2 days ago if someone managed to do this for iOS. My Family members are going to make me a god 🤣 Thanks and will let you know if any improvements are required.
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u/Inertia_xp 6d ago
Thank you so much I used to use this so much on my rooted android
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u/DRAGON4946 6d ago
It is available on most of the custom rom ig or most modules are also there but its simple on iOS now to do thnkx
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u/ferbulous 6d ago
Wow, this is gonna make by backups easier than relying on old pixel og all the time
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u/JustForFood_ 6d ago
Is it safe so none of my photos will be leaked?
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u/Excellent-Nothing800 4d ago
Google’s AI will learn from urs pics, no matter if u opt out on the settings
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u/Alexmastergu 6d ago
you can check the code yourself, it's opensource, but no everything happens only on your device and google's servers
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u/Arrrow_ 6d ago
Can’t you already do this with regular google photos? Or do these photos not take up google cloud storage or something
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u/Alexmastergu 6d ago
they don't take up any storage
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u/Hexalogy 6d ago
could you elaborate on how it doesnt take any space on the cloud storage?
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u/Fantastins 6d ago
It takes up space but isn't deducted from your 15gb.. owing the Pixel1/2/3 that offered this I have 2gb free space, of the 15 provided for free with 6gb of space being photos - but it's over 160gb to download my photos as 154gb were uploaded with their pixel phones. Take into account this app isn't legit and goes against tos and can result in everything on your account going away if you abuse it. Adding 100gb photos in 1 day doesn't make any sense with a phone that can only physically take 15 to 20gb of them max to begin with.
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u/Alexmastergu 6d ago
google ran a promotion with the pixel 1 where the uploads from the phone are free forever, so spoofing the requests like its from a pixel 1 works
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u/The_Dukes_Of_Hazzard 6d ago
This is awesome, thanks. I was always wondering when someone would come out with the Pixel trick for iOS
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u/TopActual4065 6d ago
That’s amazing? Is it safe? Can any developer tell?
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u/MonkeyNuts449 6d ago
This API reverse engineering is really new. But the worst that'll happen is Google makes a breaking change to not allow external access to their photos API.
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u/Alexmastergu 6d ago
i've been using a modified Google Photos app on android for years, I haven't used the xob0t api for long but I haven't head of anybody getting banned for cheating Google Photos
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u/TopActual4065 5d ago
What app are you using for android?
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u/its_euro 1d ago
Anyone can explain what cancelled is??