Gone is the Download option on Google Photos for some (bug filed)

How not to complain about Google Photos? An app fraught with errors. Jumping on to what people are complaining lately, the ‘Download’ option in the three dots menu on Photos’ Web app has disappeared. The issue came to light recently.

Affected users note that by clicking on the vertical three dot menu icon (while viewing images in enlarged mode), the only options that appear are: slideshow, rotate, add to album, add to shared album, and archive. Following is user-shared screenshot that clearly shows the ‘Download’ option is missing.

Interestingly, the problem is reportedly also limited to recently taken pics, with some users even noting that of the images taken during a single session, some are downloadable while others are not. The following screenshot reveals the Download option is missing from the menu even when users select a thumbnail in the main library:

Thankfully, there seems to be at-least one work around that’s working. Here’s how a user explained it: “It wasn’t until I took the same set of pics that were only indicated by date, and named them as an album within photos.google.com that I could download the album. It’s certainly not an elegant solution, but I guess it’s a work-around until I can figure out what the bigger problem is”.

Curiously, for some, a sub set of affected pictures started showing the ‘Download’ option the very next day. Also, one of the users even reported missing ‘Download’ option for videos as well.

With screenshots more than confirming that the issue is there, a bug report has been filed in this regard. Here’s what an expert on the official Photos forum exactly said:

However, Google is yet to officially acknowledge the problem. Needless to say, we’ll provide updates for any and every development related to this problem. So stay tuned.

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