# For the Events You’d Prefer Not to Recall: Handling Memories in Google Photos
Google Photos is not merely a basic gallery application. It serves as a robust platform that merges cloud storage, photo enhancement, and a distinctive attribute called **Memories**. This feature autonomously organizes your photo collection into a virtual scrapbook, enabling you to revisit former moments, journeys, and experiences. Nevertheless, not every memory is one we wish to revisit. Be it a person you’ve grown distant from, an ex, or a cherished pet that has passed, some recollections can be distressing. Fortunately, Google Photos provides an option to manage which individuals or pets show up in your Memories, granting you the ability to control your viewing experience.
## How to Exclude People and Pets from Google Photos Memories
If you aim to stop certain people or pets from appearing in your Google Photos Memories, modifying your app settings is a simple task. Google Photos permits you to either **Show less** of particular individuals or **Block** them completely from showing up in your Memories. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:
### Steps to Exclude People and Pets from Memories:
1. **Launch the Google Photos app** on your Android device.
2. Tap your **profile icon** in the upper-right corner to access the menu.
3. Choose **Photos settings** from the menu list.
4. Tap on **Preferences**.
5. Navigate to **Memories**.
6. Select **Hide people**.
At this stage, you will find a list of people and pets you’ve chosen to **Show less** or **Blocked**. To include someone new to the list:
7. Tap the **+** icon.
8. Choose the person or pet you want to hide.
9. Tap **Done**.
Once they’re on the **Blocked** list, that person or pet will no longer appear in any of your Memories. If you opt for **Show less**, they may still feature in group photos but will appear less frequently. You can revisit these settings anytime to modify your preferences.
## Reasons You May Wish to Exclude People and Pets from Memories
Although the Memories feature in Google Photos is intended to evoke joy by recalling past experiences, it isn’t always a pleasant reminder. Life is a mixture of highs and lows, and your photo library may include images of individuals or pets that bring feelings of sadness or discomfort. Here are a few common reasons why you might want to remove certain people or pets from your Memories:
### 1. **Ex-Partners or Previous Friends**
Images of an ex-partner or someone you’ve had a conflict with can be hard to confront. Google Photos enables you to restrict visibility of such individuals in your Memories, assisting you in avoiding painful reminders of former relationships.
### 2. **Deceased Loved Ones or Pets**
The experience of losing a loved one or a pet is among the most heart-wrenching. While some may derive solace from viewing memories of those they’ve lost, others might find it unbearable. Google Photos allows you to block these images, enabling you to mourn as you choose.
### 3. **Unwanted Group Shots**
At times, you may wish to retain group photos but avoid spotting a certain person among them. The **Show less** feature permits you to diminish the frequency of seeing specific individuals while still keeping the group photos intact.
## The Emotional Consequences of Digital Memories
In today’s digital landscape, our photo libraries have transformed into extensive compilations of our lives, capturing everything from significant achievements to mundane daily occurrences. While this serves as a beautiful means to conserve memories, it also means that we are perpetually reminded of past moments—both positive and negative. Google Photos’ capability to curate and manage these memories acts as a vital resource for emotional wellness. By allowing users to dictate their viewings, the app helps ensure that your digital recollections evoke more happiness than sadness.
## Conclusion: Tailoring Your Digital Scrapbook
Google Photos’ **Memories** feature is an exceptional method to relive your cherished moments, but having the ability to manage what you see is equally crucial. Whether you’re attempting to avoid memories linked to a tough breakup, a deceased pet, or a troubled relationship, Google Photos simplifies the process of tailoring your digital scrapbook. By adhering to the straightforward steps mentioned above, you can guarantee that your Memories consist of the moments you value most while keeping challenging ones out of view.
### Pro Tip: The Google Pixel 9 and Google Photos
For enthusiasts of Google Photos, the **Google Pixel 9** is an outstanding smartphone option. It not only boasts an impressive camera system but also incorporates Google Photos as its default gallery application. With features such as computational photography and AI tools, the Pixel 9 enriches your photo capturing experience and makes managing your Memories even more streamlined.
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By taking command of your Memories in Google Photos, you can ensure that your digital
