# Google Photos Removes Partner Sharing Feature for Pictures from Other Android Applications
Recently, users of Google Photos have observed a considerable shift in the functionality of the app’s **Partner Sharing** feature. Following much anticipation, Google has formally acknowledged this alteration through an update to its support documents. The modification influences how images from third-party Android applications are shared, leaving many users bewildered.
## Essential Information
– **Partner Sharing** within the Google Photos application no longer accommodates images that come from third-party Android applications.
– Google confirmed this adjustment in a revised support document that was subtly updated over the last month.
– This modification also impacts unaltered screenshots, with Google failing to provide a clear rationale for this change.
## Changes in Partner Sharing
The **Partner Sharing** feature of Google Photos, launched in 2017, enables users to automatically share images with a trusted partner, such as a spouse or family member. This feature is highly adaptable, allowing users to share specific images based on criteria such as the presence of a specific individual or a designated date range. For those inclined, there is also a feature to share **all images** with their partner.
Nevertheless, a recent update has imposed a new restriction: photographs emanating from third-party Android applications are now excluded from Partner Sharing. This encompasses downloaded images from other applications, unedited screenshots, and visuals created by non-Google applications. Users first identified this modification, which was later verified by Google in an updated support document.
The document now incorporates a disclaimer that states:
*”Tip: Pictures from other applications on Android aren’t shared with your partner account.”*
This represents a substantial alteration from the earlier capability, where all images—independent of their source—were part of Partner Sharing.
## User Feedback and Observations
Users initially recognized this change on forums like **Reddit**, prompting discussions about the reasons certain images stopped being shared via Partner Sharing. Some users discovered that specific metadata associated with photos determines their eligibility for sharing. For instance, pictures downloaded from other sources or unedited screenshots are not included in Partner Sharing.
It is noteworthy that even when users try to change a photo’s source by eliminating the “screenshot” label or other identifying metadata in the Google Photos app, the image will still not be shared unless it has been edited within the app. In contrast, edited screenshots will continue to be shared through Partner Sharing.
## Reason Behind the Change
Google has not supplied an in-depth explanation for this alteration. Some speculate that the decision might be focused on enhancing user privacy. For instance, users might wish to share personal images without incorporating screenshots, downloads, or visuals from other applications in their shared library. However, this rationale is somewhat ambiguous, as Google Photos already provides users the capability to tailor which images are shared through Partner Sharing.
The lack of clear communication has left numerous users perplexed. Since Partner Sharing is a feature designed for convenience and user-friendliness, some users feel frustrated that they no longer have the option to share all images, including those from third-party applications, with their partner.
## Communication and Announcements
Despite the significance of this alteration, Google has not directly communicated it to users within the Google Photos application. While the app now features a new **Updates** page intended to inform users of modifications, those utilizing Partner Sharing have not received any alerts about this specific update. This has resulted in confusion for users who depend on the feature for a seamless sharing experience of their complete photo library.
## Summary
The recent modification to Google Photos’ Partner Sharing feature signifies a notable change in how the application manages photo sharing. By excluding images from third-party Android applications, Google has added a new level of complexity to a feature that was once straightforward and automatic. While this change may be intended to enhance privacy, the absence of communication and clarity from Google has left users seeking answers.
For the time being, users who depend on Partner Sharing will need to be aware of the types of photos they intend to share and may require manual adjustments or edits within the Google Photos app to ensure their inclusion in the shared library.
As Google continues to advance its services, it remains uncertain whether the company will offer further clarification or provide users with greater control over which images are shared through Partner Sharing. Until then, users must adapt to these new constraints or consider other sharing options.
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**Image Credit:** Jay Bonggolto / Android Central
