Google Photos May Soon Introduce a Smarter Way to Share Memories and Albums

Google Photos May Soon Let You Share Albums and Memories Using QR Codes

Google Photos is already one of the most powerful photo-editing apps on Android, offering tools that can dramatically enhance your mobile photography. Alongside editing, the app also makes it easy to share your work—whether it’s posting on social media or sending images directly to friends and family via Quick Share. Now, Google appears to be preparing a smarter sharing feature focused on albums and memories.

According to an APK teardown of Google Photos v7.26 by Android Authority, Google is testing a new QR code-based sharing option specifically for albums and memories. Unlike Quick Share, which supports individual photo transfers to nearby devices (including via QR), this new feature is tailored for larger sets of images and moments.

🔍 How QR Sharing Works

The process seems simple:

1. Open the album you want to share.

2. Tap the plus (+) icon.

3. Select “Show QR code” from the sharing menu.

4. The recipient scans the code with their device to access the album.

Android Authority was able to get the feature working in a hands-on test, but a few questions remain—such as whether QR access gives permanent viewing rights or whether the sender can revoke access after sharing.

🔄 Quick Share vs. QR Sharing

Although both involve QR codes, this new feature is separate from Quick Share. Quick Share focuses on fast, peer-to-peer transfers of individual files to nearby devices, while the QR sharing option is intended for curated albums and memory collections.

📅 Not Public Yet, But Likely Coming Soon

The feature is still being tested internally and hasn’t been officially rolled out. However, the fact that it’s already functional through workarounds suggests that a wider release may not be far off. Until then, Quick Share remains the go-to option for fast sharing of photos and files between devices.