Find your photos where they were taken thanks to this Google Photos update

We have loved Google Photos since it was embedded in the now-defunct Google+ social network (RIP Google+), and the service has continued to evolve and set the standard for cloud-based photo storage over the years. The Spring 2020 update has added a fresh coat of paint and some really handy features, such as the ability to search for your photo memories from a map. We'll show you where to find this feature and how to use it so that you can start reliving those amazing memories today.

How to use the map to browse photos by places in Google Photos

1. Open the Google Photos app on your phone.

2. Tap on the Search tab at the bottom of the screen.

   

3. Tap on the Explore Map section, or one of the pre-populated location tags.

4. Zoom in on the colored blobs to find locations where your photos were taken, or scroll through the thumbnails below the map.

   

So simple! It was always possible to search photos by location by typing a city, country, or area in the search bar, but now with the incorporated heat map, it's never been easier, or more fun, to explore your memories in this way.

Our top equipment picks

If you're going to be taking photos with your phone, you're going to want a phone with a great camera.

Shutterbug

Google Pixel 3a

$339 at Amazon $400 at Best Buy $349 at Walmart

One of the best cameras available at any price

The Pixel 3a doesn't just have a great camera for a budget device; it's excellent by any measure. Daytime or night, rear or front, it's the best you can get.

Additional Equipment

If for some reason, you don't have Google Photos on your phone, or if you need to update it, get the to the Play Store at once!

Google Photos

Free at Google Play

If you're one of the two Android users alive who still doesn't have Google Photos on your phone, grab this latest update. You won't regret it!