Critical Alert: AT&T Customers May Permanently Lose Their Photos by 2026
After a significant period of service, AT&T Photo Storage will be closing its doors permanently on February 1, 2026. Here's what you need to know about this transition and the available alternatives for your photo storage needs.
Starting from October 20, 2025, the AT&T Photo Storage app will no longer be available for use, and it will be removed from app stores. However, users will still be able to access their stored media and download files from AT&T Photo Storage until the service shuts down.
To download your photos and videos, you can use the web portal by requesting an archive. AT&T will provide ZIP files (up to 5GB each) for users to download their photos. Please note that you must download each archive individually to your computer, and a download link will be emailed to you after up to 48 hours of requesting an archive.
Once you have downloaded the ZIP archives, you can retrieve individual images by opening them with any zip app. Be aware that the downloaded photos and videos will be available in a series of zip archives, each up to 5GB in size.
As AT&T Photo Storage is no longer a safe long-term storage solution, users are encouraged to find a new backup for their photos and videos. Cloud storage is not a safe long-term storage solution for valuable images, and it's recommended to back up downloaded photos to a USB drive or external storage device.
If you're looking for alternatives to AT&T Photo Storage, here are some popular options:
- Google Photos: Google Photos offers free storage with some limitations on resolution, but you can pay for additional storage if needed. It's excellent for organizing and editing photos.
- iCloud: If you have an Apple device, iCloud is a seamless way to store and sync your photos across all your devices. It offers a free tier with limited storage, and you can purchase more if needed.
- Microsoft OneDrive: This service from Microsoft provides cloud storage for photos and other files. It integrates well with Windows devices and offers plans for additional storage.
- Amazon Prime Photos: Amazon offers unlimited photo storage for Prime members, which can be a great option if you already have a Prime subscription.
- pCloud: pCloud is a cloud storage service that offers affordable plans for storing photos and videos without sacrificing quality.
When choosing a new photo storage solution, remember to be wary of any service that offers "unlimited" storage of any kind, as it may be discontinued in the future, potentially resulting in loss of photos. Google Photos comes with 15GB of free storage per user account, but storage allocation is shared with other services such as Gmail.
In conclusion, it's essential to act quickly and download your photos from AT&T Photo Storage before February 1, 2026, to avoid permanent loss. Consider the alternatives mentioned above and choose a storage solution that best suits your needs and offers long-term safety for your cherished memories.
[1] AT&T Photo Storage Shutdown Announcement: https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1207122 [2] AT&T Photo Storage Archive Request Information: https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1207131 [3] Alternative Photo Storage Solutions: https://www.techradar.com/best/photo-storage
In light of the upcoming shutdown of AT&T Photo Storage on February 1, 2026, users need to be vigilant about securing their digital memories. By October 20, 2025, the app will no longer be available, and cloud storage solutions like AT&T Photo Storage should not be relied upon for long-term storage due to potential data loss. Therefore, it's crucial to research alternative storage options such as Google Photos, iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Prime Photos, and pCloud, ensuring you make an informed decision that safeguards your cherished moments.
