As a dedicated user of Google Photos, I have always appreciated the convenience it offers for storing and organizing my precious memories. One of the recent features that caught my attention is the Memories widget, which allows me to revisit special moments right from the home screen of my Android or iOS device. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the process of adding and managing the Google Photos Memories widget on both Android and iOS platforms. Whether you want to relive cherished memories or customize the content that appears in the widget, this article will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of this feature.
Add Google Photos Memories Widget to Home Screen on Android
Adding the Google Photos Memories widget to your Android home screen is a straightforward process that can enhance your daily interactions with your favorite photos and videos. To begin, ensure that you have the latest version of the Google Photos app installed on your device. Once you have confirmed this, long-press on an empty space on your home screen to bring up the widgets menu. Scroll through the available widgets until you find “Google Photos Memories” and then tap and hold it to place it on your home screen.
Upon adding the widget, you will immediately start seeing a curated selection of your memories, including photos and videos from the same day in previous years. This dynamic widget provides a delightful way to revisit your past experiences and appreciate the journey you have been on. By having quick access to these memories directly from your home screen, you can easily brighten up your day with heartwarming glimpses of the past.
In addition to the default size of the widget, you can also explore resizing options to customize the appearance of the Memories widget on your Android home screen. By long-pressing the widget and then releasing it, you can adjust its dimensions to suit your preferences, allowing for a more personalized and visually appealing layout.
Add Google Photos Memories Widget to Home Screen on iOS
If you are an iOS user, you can also take advantage of the Google Photos Memories widget to enrich your home screen experience with nostalgic moments. To add the widget to your iOS device, make sure that you have the Google Photos app installed and updated to the latest version. Once this is confirmed, swipe right on your home screen or lock screen to access the Today View. Scroll to the bottom of the Today View and tap on “Edit” to enter the widget customization mode.
In the Edit menu, you will see a list of available widgets, including those from the Google Photos app. Locate the “Google Photos Memories” widget and tap the green plus button next to it to add it to your Today View. You can then use the three horizontal lines on the right side of the widget to drag it up or down to your preferred position within the Today View. Once you are satisfied with the placement, tap “Done” to save your changes and exit the customization mode.
After successfully adding the Google Photos Memories widget to your iOS device, you will be greeted with a delightful display of meaningful moments each time you access the Today View. This seamless integration of cherished memories into your daily digital interactions can serve as a source of joy and inspiration, adding a personal touch to your iOS experience.
Manage What You See in Google Photos Memories Widget
While the Memories widget offers a delightful way to revisit past experiences, you may occasionally want to customize the content that appears within it to align with your preferences. Fortunately, Google Photos provides you with the flexibility to manage what you see in the Memories widget, allowing you to curate the selection of photos and videos that are showcased on your home screen.
To manage the content in the Google Photos Memories widget, open the Google Photos app on your device and tap on the “Search” tab at the bottom of the screen. In the search bar, enter keywords or dates related to the specific memories you want to include or exclude from the widget. You can also use the “Rediscover this day” feature to explore memories from the same day in previous years and select the ones you wish to see in the widget.
Additionally, Google Photos offers the option to create albums and stories that reflect your favorite moments, which can then be featured in the Memories widget. By organizing your photos and videos into meaningful collections, you can ensure that the content displayed in the widget resonates with your personal narrative and brings back the most cherished memories.
Hide Someone from Google Photos Memories Widget
While the Memories widget is designed to celebrate meaningful moments, there may be instances where you prefer to exclude certain individuals from appearing in the displayed memories. Whether it’s for privacy reasons or personal preferences, Google Photos allows you to hide someone from the Memories widget with ease.
To hide someone from the Google Photos Memories widget, open the Google Photos app and navigate to the “Albums” tab. Select the album that contains the photos or videos featuring the individual you wish to hide. Once inside the album, tap on the three-dot menu icon and choose the “Exclude from Memories” option. This action ensures that the selected photos and videos will not be included in the Memories widget, providing you with control over the content that is showcased on your home screen.
By utilizing the ability to hide specific individuals from the Memories widget, you can tailor your viewing experience to focus on the memories that hold the most significance to you, creating a more personalized and enjoyable journey down memory lane.
