Google Photos Partner Sharing stopped sharing screenshots & downloads — how to fix it
The problem (and who it hits)
If you use Google Photos Partner Sharing to automatically share your photos with a spouse/partner/family member, you may have noticed a confusing change:- Your partner still receives normal camera photos.
- But screenshots, downloads, and images/videos backed up from other Android apps (social apps, third‑party camera apps, etc.) no longer show up automatically.
This is especially painful for:
- Couples who use Partner Sharing as a “shared household camera roll.”
- Parents coordinating schedules via screenshots.
- People who use third‑party camera apps (or save media from other apps) and expect it to sync the same way.
Why it’s happening
Google changed how Partner Sharing behaves on Android—removing automatic sharing for screenshots/downloads/third‑party app content—reportedly to reduce clutter and better match what “most users” expect to be shared. (androidpolice.com)After user feedback, Google began rolling out a new opt-in setting on Android:
- “Include content from other Android apps”
- It’s OFF by default for privacy.
- When enabled, those screenshots/downloads/other-app backups can be shared automatically again.
- Google says the change can work retroactively (previously backed-up content may become shared/unshared depending on your setting). (9to5google.com)
Solution 1 (best): Turn on “Include content from other Android apps”
This is the clean fix—if the toggle has rolled out to your phone.Step-by-step
1. Update Google Photos in the Play Store (install the latest available version). 2. Open Google Photos. 3. Tap your profile icon (top right). 4. Go to Photos settings. 5. Tap Sharing. 6. Tap Partner sharing. 7. Look for “Include content from other Android apps”. 8. Turn it ON. 9. Ask your partner to open Google Photos and refresh / wait (sometimes it’s not instant).Important: Because it’s off by default, two people can both be “set up correctly” and still not see screenshots—simply because this one switch was never enabled. (9to5google.com)
Solution 2: The toggle isn’t there yet (staged rollout) — what to do now
If you followed the steps and the setting isn’t visible, you’re likely in a staged rollout where:- the fix exists in some builds/regions/betas first, and
- your stable channel hasn’t received it yet. (androidauthority.com)
What you can do immediately
1. Confirm the content is actually backed up - In Google Photos, find a missing screenshot. - Ensure it shows as Backed up (or enable backup). - If it’s not backed up, Partner Sharing can’t share it.2. Use a dedicated shared album for “non-camera” items
- Create an album (e.g., “Screenshots to share”).
- Add items manually.
- Share the album with your partner.
- This restores predictability until the toggle arrives.
3. Send via Google Photos link (not your messaging app’s attachment flow)
- If you share from inside Google Photos, you can use links/albums more reliably than sending files through other apps.
4. Consider joining the Google Photos beta (optional)
- Some reports indicate the setting appears earlier for beta users.
- Only do this if you’re comfortable with occasional bugs.
Solution 3: Don’t “migrate” your whole library via Partner Sharing (data-loss trap)
A separate but common mistake: people try to “transfer” photos by Partner Sharing, then delete the original account/library—and later discover images disappeared.If you’re doing any kind of account cleanup:
- Treat Partner Sharing as sharing, not guaranteed archival transfer.
- Before deleting anything, create an independent backup (for example, export via Google Takeout or download originals).
Checklist: quick troubleshooting
- [ ] Google Photos app updated
- [ ] Partner Sharing still enabled (not accidentally paused)
- [ ] The missing images are Backed up in Google Photos
- [ ] Toggle “Include content from other Android apps” is ON (if available)
- [ ] Partner checks Google Photos on web or another device to confirm it’s not a local display issue
- [ ] Temporary workaround in place (shared album or manual share) until rollout reaches you
- [ ] Backup created before deleting/migrating anything
FAQ
1) Why do camera photos share but screenshots don’t?
Because Google changed Partner Sharing behavior to exclude photos “from other apps” (which includes screenshots/downloads and other app-saved media) unless you opt back in using the new toggle. (9to5google.com)2) I don’t see the “Include content from other Android apps” toggle. Am I doing something wrong?
Not necessarily. Google has described it as rolling out, and multiple reports indicate availability can vary by app version/channel and timing. Keep the app updated and re-check Partner Sharing settings periodically. (androidauthority.com)3) Will enabling it share old screenshots too?
Google’s rollout description indicates the setting can work retroactively—previously backed-up content may become shared/unshared depending on your configuration. (9to5google.com)4) Is it a privacy risk to enable sharing from other apps?
It can be. Screenshots often contain sensitive info (2FA codes, receipts, chats). That’s why Google keeps the setting off by default and makes it user-controlled. (9to5google.com)5) What’s the safest workaround while waiting?
A shared album dedicated to “things we actually want to share” (screenshots, saved images) is usually the most controlled option until the toggle reaches your device.Key Takeaways
- Partner Sharing stopped auto-sharing screenshots/downloads/other-app content due to a Google behavior change.
- Google is rolling out an Android setting to opt back in: “Include content from other Android apps.”
- The toggle is off by default and may not appear on every device immediately.
- Until it appears, use shared albums or manual sharing for non-camera items.
- Don’t treat Partner Sharing as a guaranteed library transfer—make an independent backup before deleting anything.
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Problem: Google Photos Partner Sharing on Android no longer auto-shares screenshots, downloads, and media backed up from other apps.Cause: Google changed Partner Sharing behavior to reduce clutter; later introduced a staged-rollout Android setting.
Fix: Update Google Photos → Photos settings → Sharing → Partner sharing → enable “Include content from other Android apps” (off by default). If toggle missing, wait for rollout, use shared albums/manual sharing.
Keywords: Google Photos partner sharing screenshots missing, include content from other Android apps toggle, third-party app photos not shared, Android partner sharing fix, Google Photos screenshots not sharing.