How to Disable Motion Photos on Android (Simple Guide for Beginners)

Modern Android phones come with smart camera features that aim to improve everyday photography. One such feature is Motion Photo. While some people like it, many users prefer taking normal still photos without any movement.

If you are one of them, this guide will help you understand Motion Photos and show you how to turn them off easily on different Android phones.

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What Is Motion Photo on Android?

Motion Photo captures more than just a single image. When you tap the shutter button, your phone also records a short video clip around that moment. This helps capture small movements that happen just before or after the photo is taken.

How Motion Photo Works

• Takes one photo plus a short video clip
• Records slight movement around the image
• Helps fix blinking or missed moments
• Lets you choose the best frame later

Different Names on Different Brands

• Google Pixel: Top Shot
• Samsung: Motion Photo
• Motorola: Active Photos

The name may change, but the feature works in a similar way on all phones.

Extra Features You Should Know

• Motion photos play automatically in the gallery
• Long-pressing shows the full clip
• Photo quality stays the same
• HDR and Google Lens still function
• You can save a still frame or export the video

Even though Motion Photos add life to pictures, they are not useful for everyone.

Why Many Users Turn Off Motion Photos

The main reason is storage usage. Motion Photos take up much more space than regular images.

Common Reasons to Disable Motion Photo

• Uses 3–4 times more storage
• Fills phone memory faster
• Consumes cloud backup space
• Can slow the camera on low-end phones
• Sometimes causes shutter delay
• Animated previews feel distracting

If you prefer clean, simple photos, turning this feature off is a smart choice.

How to Turn Off Motion Photo on Google Pixel

On Pixel phones, Motion Photo is called Top Shot and is controlled through the Google Camera app.

Steps to Disable Top Shot

1. Open the Google Camera app
2. Look at the camera screen
3. Tap the Settings icon
4. Find Top Shot
5. Switch it Off

Top Shot Options Explained

• On: Always records motion
• Off: Captures only still photos
• Auto: Phone decides when needed

Top Shot does not work in some modes like Night Sight or when using flash. Also, motion clips do not record sound.

How to Disable Motion Photo on Samsung Phones

Samsung makes it easy by offering a direct toggle.

For New Samsung Models

1. Open the Camera app
2. Select Photo mode
3. Look above the shutter button
4. Tap the Motion Photo icon
5. Turn it off (you’ll see a confirmation)

For Older Samsung Models

1. Open Camera
2. Go to Photo mode
3. Open Settings
4. Find Motion Photo
5. Toggle it Off

The steps are similar across most Samsung devices.

How to Turn Off Active Photos on Motorola Phones

Motorola phones call this feature Active Photos.

Steps to Disable Active Photos

1. Open the Camera app
2. Tap the small arrow or menu icon
3. Open camera settings
4. Find Active Photos
5. Turn the option Off

Things to Keep in Mind

• Auto mode may still activate sometimes
• HDR or flash may behave differently
• Image processing may slightly change

Try different settings to see what works best for you.

Stop Motion Photo Playback in Google Photos

Even after turning off Motion Photos, old images may still play automatically in Google Photos.

Stop Playback for a Single Photo

1. Open Google Photos
2. Open a Motion Photo
3. Tap the Motion icon
4. Playback stops instantly

Disable Motion Photo Autoplay Completely

1. Open Google Photos
2. Tap your Profile icon
3. Go to Photos settings
4. Open Preferences
5. Turn off Motion Photo playback

This works on both mobile and web versions and does not delete your photos.

Also read: How to Disable Chat History in Google Gemini (Complete Privacy Guide 2026)

Final Thoughts

You can turn off Motion Photos on your Android phone whenever you like. While the feature adds movement and context, it also uses extra storage and may not suit everyone.

Android gives you full control over camera settings. Each brand offers simple ways to disable Motion Photos, and gallery playback can also be adjusted. Choose what fits your photography style and storage needs best.

Frequently Asked Questions