Google‘s New Update Will Save Your Photos, Audio and Videos From Search. Here’s What Users Need to Know

Google rolls out a major change to Search history

Google is changing the way it stores information from your searches.

Over the next few days, users will start seeing new settings inside their Google Accounts. The company says the update gives people more control over saved history and personalized recommendations across Search, Maps, Shopping, Hotels, Flights, Translate and News.

But one part of the announcement is drawing the most attention.

Google will now be able to save photos, audio recordings, videos and files from certain Search interactions when a new setting called Search Services History is turned on.

For millions of users who rely on Google Lens, voice search and AI-powered search tools, that’s a big change.

Your searches are no longer just text

A Google search used to be simple.

You typed a few words, clicked a result and moved on.

Now people search by uploading photos, speaking into their phones, identifying songs, scanning products and using AI-powered conversations.

Google says its new Search Services History setting is designed to keep track of those newer forms of search.

That means a photo uploaded through Google Lens, an audio clip used during a Search Live conversation, or a file shared with a Google search tool could become part of your saved search history.

What exactly will Google save?

According to Google, the following media can be stored:

• Images
• Files
• Audio recordings
• Videos

The company says this helps users revisit previous searches and continue conversations across devices.

For example, if you searched for a product using Google Lens last week, the search image could remain available in your Search Services History.

If you used an AI-powered search conversation to identify a song, Google may keep related media so you can continue that interaction later.

Google says saved media can help improve AI

Another line in Google’s announcement is likely to spark debate.

The company says saved media may be used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety systems.

Google says these protections come with privacy and security safeguards.

Still, the mention of AI has already raised questions among privacy advocates about how user-generated content could be used as artificial intelligence becomes a larger part of Google’s ecosystem.

New settings are replacing old controls

Until now, many of these controls sat under Web & App Activity.

Google is now splitting things into two separate settings:

Search Services History

This controls whether your search activity and related media are saved.

Personalized Recommendations

This controls how Google customizes content and recommendations across its services.

Users can switch either setting on or off whenever they choose.

What happens if Web & App Activity is already turned on?

Google says existing preferences will automatically carry over.

If your Web & App Activity setting is currently active, Search Services History will also be activated after the transition.

The new Save Media option will be enabled as well.

Users who don’t want images, videos or audio stored in their account can manually switch the setting off.

Auto-delete settings will continue

The company says previous auto-delete preferences will remain in place.

Users can:

• Choose how long history is stored
• Set automatic deletion periods
• Delete individual items manually
• Review saved history at any time

Why this update matters

Google processes billions of searches every day.

Search itself has changed dramatically over the last few years. People now search with cameras, microphones and AI tools as often as they search with a keyboard.

Google’s latest update reflects that shift.

For users, the change creates a new level of convenience. Past visual searches become easier to find. Search conversations can continue across devices.

For privacy-conscious users, it creates a new question: how much search-related media should remain stored inside a Google account?

The answer will depend on which settings people choose once the update reaches their accounts.

Frequently asked questions

Will Google automatically save my photos and videos?

If Search Services History and the Save Media setting are turned on, Google can store photos, videos, audio files and other media used during Search interactions.

Does this affect Google Lens searches?

Yes. Google specifically says media from Lens searches can become part of Search Services History.

Can I stop Google from saving media?

Yes. Users can switch off the Save Media setting at any time from their Google Account settings.

Will Google use saved media for AI?

Google says saved media may be used to develop and improve Google services, AI models and safety systems.

Can I delete saved images and videos?

Yes. Google allows users to delete individual media items manually and set automatic deletion periods.

When will the update appear?

Google says users will begin seeing the new settings in their Google Accounts within the next few days.