Force Stop Google Photos After Boot: A User's Guide

Nov 26, 2025 by Alex Johnson 52 views

Force Stopping Google Photos After Boot: A User's Guide

Have you ever experienced Google Photos not recognizing your unlimited storage after a device reboot? It's a common issue, especially for users of emulators or containers like Waydroid. This comprehensive guide addresses this problem, offering a step-by-step solution to force stop Google Photos after booting, ensuring your unlimited storage is correctly recognized. We'll delve into the technical aspects, explore the scripts involved, and provide clear instructions to implement this fix on your Android device.

Understanding the Issue

Many users, particularly those utilizing Android containers or emulators, encounter a peculiar problem with Google Photos. After booting their device, the Google Photos application may not immediately recognize the unlimited storage benefits, even if the necessary modules and configurations are in place. This can be frustrating, as it prevents seamless photo and video backups. The core issue often lies in how the application initializes upon system startup. Google Photos, like many Android apps, has a specific startup sequence, and sometimes this sequence doesn't properly register the unlimited storage entitlement right away. This is where manually force-stopping the app becomes a temporary solution, allowing it to restart and correctly recognize the storage.

The problem is more pronounced in emulators or containers because the Android environment is virtualized, and application states might not persist perfectly across reboots. On a standard Android phone, apps usually start in a more controlled manner, often managed by the system's activity manager. However, in a containerized environment like Waydroid, the app initialization process can be more susceptible to timing issues and dependencies. This is why a script that force-stops the app and then restarts its backup service can be an effective workaround. Understanding the root cause is the first step in effectively addressing the problem. By recognizing that the issue stems from the application's initial startup process, we can tailor our solutions to specifically target this behavior. The goal is to ensure that Google Photos starts with the correct permissions and configurations, thus properly recognizing the unlimited storage.

The Solution: Force Stopping Google Photos

The most effective workaround for this issue involves force-stopping the Google Photos application immediately after the Android system boots. This action effectively clears any residual processes or cached data that may be preventing the app from correctly recognizing the unlimited storage. By force-stopping the app, we ensure that the next time it starts, it does so from a clean state, re-evaluating the storage entitlements. This process can be automated using a script that runs during the boot sequence, eliminating the need for manual intervention each time the device is restarted. The script typically uses Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands to interact with the system's application manager, specifically targeting the Google Photos package. This ensures that the app is stopped cleanly, without causing any system instability.

Once the app is force-stopped, the next step is to ensure that the Google Photos backup service is running. This is crucial because the backup service is responsible for syncing photos and videos to the cloud. By explicitly starting the backup service, we ensure that the app begins uploading media as soon as it restarts. This proactive approach helps maintain seamless backups and prevents any data loss. The script usually includes a command to start the Google Photos backup service, ensuring that it runs in the background. This combination of force-stopping the app and then restarting the backup service provides a robust solution to the issue, ensuring that Google Photos correctly recognizes unlimited storage after each boot. This method is particularly useful for users who rely on automated backups and want to avoid the hassle of manually restarting the app each time they reboot their device.

Implementing the Script

To automate the process of force-stopping Google Photos after booting, a script needs to be created and placed in the appropriate directory on your Android system. The script provided in the original post is a great starting point:

/system/bin/am stop-app --user 0 com.google.android.apps.photos
#additional to make Photos app running on background after reboot
/system/bin/am startservice --user 0 -a com.google.android.apps.photos.backup.apiservice.PHOTOS_BACKUP_SERVICE

This script consists of two key commands. The first command, /system/bin/am stop-app --user 0 com.google.android.apps.photos, uses the Android Activity Manager (am) to force-stop the Google Photos application. The --user 0 flag specifies that the action should be performed for the main user (user 0), which is the primary user account on most Android devices. The com.google.android.apps.photos is the package name for the Google Photos app, ensuring that the correct application is targeted. The second command, /system/bin/am startservice --user 0 -a com.google.android.apps.photos.backup.apiservice.PHOTOS_BACKUP_SERVICE, starts the Google Photos backup service. This command ensures that the background service responsible for backing up photos and videos is running, allowing for seamless synchronization with the cloud.

To implement this script, you'll need to save it as a .sh file (e.g., force_stop_photos.sh) and place it in the /data/adb/service.d/ directory. This directory is specifically designed for scripts that should be executed during the Android boot process, making it the ideal location for this solution. However, this directory is typically accessible only with root privileges, so you'll need to ensure your device is rooted. Once the script is placed in the correct directory, you may also need to set the appropriate permissions to make it executable. This can usually be done using a file manager with root access or through the command line. By ensuring the script is executable, you guarantee that it will run automatically during the boot process, effectively force-stopping Google Photos and restarting the backup service each time your device starts.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to implement the script to force stop Google Photos after booting:

Root Your Device (If Necessary): This step is crucial as accessing the /data/adb/service.d/ directory requires root privileges. Ensure your device is properly rooted using a reliable method specific to your device model. Tools like Magisk are commonly used for rooting Android devices. Note: Rooting your device may void your warranty, so proceed with caution.
Install a Terminal Emulator or ADB: You’ll need a way to interact with your device’s file system. A terminal emulator app (like Termux) installed on your device or using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) from a computer can achieve this.

Create the Script File: Using a text editor, create a new file and paste the script provided earlier:

#!/system/bin/sh
/system/bin/am stop-app --user 0 com.google.android.apps.photos
/system/bin/am startservice --user 0 -a com.google.android.apps.photos.backup.apiservice.PHOTOS_BACKUP_SERVICE

Save the file with a .sh extension, for example, force_stop_photos.sh.

Move the Script to the Correct Directory:
- Using a Terminal Emulator:
  1. Open your terminal emulator app.
  2. Gain root access by typing su and pressing Enter. Grant the root permission when prompted.
  3. Navigate to the directory where you saved the script (e.g., cd /sdcard/Download).
  4. Move the script to the /data/adb/service.d/ directory using the command:
```
mv force_stop_photos.sh /data/adb/service.d/
```
- Using ADB (from a computer):
  1. Ensure ADB is installed and configured on your computer.
  2. Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
  3. Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer.
  4. Push the script to the device using the command:
```
adb push force_stop_photos.sh /data/local/tmp/
```
  5. Open an ADB shell by typing:
```
adb shell
```
  6. Gain root access by typing su and pressing Enter.
  7. Move the script to the /data/adb/service.d/ directory using the command:
```
mv /data/local/tmp/force_stop_photos.sh /data/adb/service.d/
```
Set Execute Permissions: The script needs execute permissions to run. Use the following command in the terminal emulator or ADB shell:
```
chmod +x /data/adb/service.d/force_stop_photos.sh
```
Reboot Your Device: Restart your Android device to allow the script to run during the boot process.
Verify the Solution: After rebooting, check if Google Photos now correctly recognizes your unlimited storage. You can verify this by opening the app and checking your backup settings or by attempting to upload photos and videos.

By following these steps, you can effectively implement the script to force stop Google Photos after booting, ensuring that your unlimited storage is correctly recognized. This solution is particularly useful for users who experience this issue consistently and want a reliable way to resolve it.

Considerations for Phone Users

While the script works effectively for emulator and container users, phone users may encounter a slightly different scenario. On phones, apps are often not fully started immediately after booting, especially if the phone is locked. This behavior is part of Android's power-saving mechanisms, which delay the startup of non-essential apps to conserve battery life. As a result, the script might run before Google Photos has fully initialized, potentially leading to the same issue of the app not recognizing unlimited storage.

To address this, additional commands or modifications to the script might be necessary for phone users. One approach is to introduce a delay before force-stopping the app, allowing Google Photos to start its initial processes. This can be achieved by adding a sleep command to the script, which pauses execution for a specified number of seconds. For example, adding sleep 30 would pause the script for 30 seconds before proceeding with the force-stop command. This delay provides Google Photos with sufficient time to start up and potentially register the unlimited storage entitlement.

Another consideration is the timing of the script's execution. On phones, boot completion events might not be as reliable as in emulators or containers. Therefore, it might be beneficial to explore alternative methods of triggering the script, such as using a boot receiver app or a task scheduler that can run the script after a specific delay or upon detecting a system event. These methods offer more control over when the script is executed, ensuring that it runs at the optimal time to address the issue. By carefully considering these factors and adapting the script accordingly, phone users can also benefit from this solution and ensure that Google Photos consistently recognizes their unlimited storage after booting.

Alternative Solutions and Troubleshooting

While the script-based solution is effective, it's essential to explore alternative methods and troubleshooting steps in case the issue persists. Sometimes, the problem might stem from other factors, such as incorrect app permissions, outdated app versions, or conflicting settings. Therefore, a holistic approach to troubleshooting is necessary to identify and address the root cause.

One of the first steps is to check the app permissions for Google Photos. Ensure that the app has all the necessary permissions, including storage access, background activity, and network access. Restricting any of these permissions can prevent the app from functioning correctly and recognizing the unlimited storage. You can check and modify app permissions in the Android system settings, under the Apps section. Another common issue is an outdated app version. Ensure that you're running the latest version of Google Photos from the Google Play Store. App updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address storage recognition issues. An outdated version might lack the necessary patches or compatibility updates, leading to the problem.

Sometimes, conflicting settings or configurations can also cause the issue. Check your Google account settings and ensure that the correct account is associated with Google Photos. Also, verify that the backup settings within the app are configured correctly, including the backup quality and the accounts to be backed up. If the issue persists, consider clearing the app cache and data. This action resets the app to its default state, removing any corrupted data or settings that might be causing the problem. You can clear the cache and data in the Android system settings, under the Apps section. However, be aware that clearing the data will remove any offline data stored by the app, such as downloaded photos or videos.

In some cases, third-party apps or modules might interfere with Google Photos' functionality. If you're using any apps that manage storage or modify system settings, try disabling them temporarily to see if they're causing the issue. Similarly, if you're using any custom modules or modifications, such as Xposed modules or Magisk modules, consider disabling them to rule out any conflicts. By exploring these alternative solutions and troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address the issue of Google Photos not recognizing unlimited storage after booting, ensuring a seamless backup experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, force-stopping Google Photos after booting is an effective solution for ensuring that the app correctly recognizes unlimited storage, especially for users of Android emulators and containers. While the script-based method outlined in this guide provides a reliable way to automate this process, it's essential to consider factors such as device type and Android version for optimal results. For phone users, introducing a delay or using alternative methods to trigger the script might be necessary. Additionally, exploring alternative solutions and troubleshooting steps, such as checking app permissions and clearing cache, can help address the issue from different angles.

By following the steps and considerations discussed in this guide, you can ensure that Google Photos consistently recognizes your unlimited storage, allowing for seamless photo and video backups. This not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your precious memories are safely stored in the cloud. Remember to adapt the solution to your specific device and configuration for the best results. By taking a proactive approach, you can overcome this common issue and enjoy the full benefits of Google Photos' unlimited storage.

For further information and troubleshooting tips, consider visiting the Google Photos Help Center.