What happened
Google announced today that the Photos app will include a new toggle allowing users to disable background music in the Memories feature. The setting applies to all automatically generated Memories, including the End‑of‑Year Recap, and removes the random music tracks that have previously accompanied photo slideshows.
Details of the update
The toggle is a server‑side addition, meaning the feature will be rolled out remotely and may not appear for every user immediately. Once enabled, the option turns off background music for every Memory, but it does not affect the original audio that is part of any video included in a Memory; that recorded sound will still play.
- Scope: All Memories generated by Google Photos, including yearly recap compilations.
- Effect: No background music is added; video‑recorded audio remains unchanged.
- Rollout: Server‑side deployment; users may need to wait for the toggle to become visible in their app.
Background
The Memories feature in Google Photos automatically curates photos and videos from a user’s library to create short, nostalgic slideshows. While many users appreciate the convenience of having past moments resurfaced, the automatic addition of background music has drawn criticism for sometimes clashing with the mood of the content. Android Authority noted that the music “can pull you out of the experience,” highlighting a desire for more control over the playback.
What it means for users
By providing a simple on/off switch, Google gives users the ability to tailor the Memories experience to their preferences. Those who enjoy a silent slideshow can now avoid unexpected music, while users who still want the musical accompaniment can keep the feature enabled. The change also aligns Google Photos with broader trends in user‑controlled media playback, where platforms increasingly offer options to mute or customize audio.
Because the toggle is applied server‑side, the update does not require a new app version, but the timing of its appearance may vary across devices and accounts. Users are encouraged to check the app settings after a short waiting period to confirm the option is available.