Google is rolling out a Google Photos update that makes it possible to fully disable background music in Memories. The new setting puts users in control of the audio that plays automatically when Google Photos highlights moments from a photo library. It is being introduced across all platforms, but the option was not visible in Android v7.99; Google said it is on its way to the app.

What the new Memories control does

The control appears as a Background music toggle under Photos settings > Preferences > Memories.

Google described the change as “a new setting across all platforms that allows you to disable background music added by Photos to Memories.” When the setting is turned off, the app stops playing extra music tracks during Memories. If a Memory includes a video, users will still be able to hear that video’s original audio.

The toggle is global, meaning it applies to all Memories. That includes the end-of-year recap, the summary that Google Photos builds from a year’s worth of highlights.

Why the setting matters for users

Memories are a fun way to relive highlighted moments, but the automatic soundtrack can feel frustrating when a video opens and default background music plays over it. The new option lets users choose a quieter viewing experience without losing the original audio from video clips.

Google also said the variety of background music options has been updated. That means users who leave Background music turned on may start hearing new tracks in Memories. The change does not remove the music feature; it gives users a way to disable it entirely.

Other Google Photos changes noted in the article

The article also pointed to several related Google Photos changes. One fix addressed a bug that hid edited pictures. Another rollout brought a customizable redesign of the Collections tab. Google also said it will target ads based on Gmail and Photos data if Personal Intelligence is enabled.

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