Google Photos Bug Made Edited Pics Disappear
A fix is now available in version 7.97, resolving the issue that affected photo pickers and apps like WhatsApp and Google Messages
A Google Photos bug that caused edited pictures to disappear from other Android apps has been fixed. The issue, which affected photo pickers and apps like Google Messages, Gemini, and WhatsApp, is resolved in Google Photos version 7.97.
The problem was reported by Artem Russakovskii, the founder of APKMirror, who notified the Google Photos team directly. Google later confirmed that the bug was fixed in version 7.97, and Russakovskii independently tested the update to verify that the fix worked.
The issue didn't involve Google Photos deleting pictures, but rather edited images becoming invisible to other apps. This meant that even though the images remained accessible in Google's gallery, they couldn't be found by other apps.
The root of the problem appears to be related to how Android handles non-destructive photo edits, which preserve the original image while allowing changes to be saved. A related Google Issue Tracker report identifies a problem with local media URI indexing after such edits, potentially leaving other apps unable to find the modified image until a full reboot.
For users affected by the bug, saving the edited picture as a separate copy offered a temporary solution. However, this was not an ideal workaround, especially for those who simply wanted to share their edited photos with others.
## What changed The fix, available in Google Photos version 7.97, should bring relief to users who were affected by the disappearing photos bug. With this update, edited pictures should now be visible to other apps, making it easier to share them with others.
## Why it matters The fix is important because it resolves a frustrating issue that affected many Google Photos users. The ability to edit and share photos seamlessly is a key feature of Google Photos, and the bug disrupted this experience. With the fix, users can once again edit and share their photos without worrying about them disappearing from other apps.
The issue also highlights the complexities of how Android handles non-destructive photo edits and the importance of resolving such bugs to ensure a smooth user experience. As Google continues to update and improve its Photos app, it's likely that we'll see more fixes and features that enhance the overall user experience.
