Camera auto-upload is one of the most popular features in the OmniStor mobile app — once enabled, photos and videos from your phone or tablet automatically back up to OmniStor's cloud. No more forgetting to back up. This article covers how to enable it, choose the backup scope, and control connection preferences.
Before you start
- OmniStor mobile app is installed and you're signed in.
- The app needs photo/library access permission (it'll ask the first time).
- Make sure your cloud quota can hold the photos you want backed up.
Enable camera auto-upload
iOS
- Open the OmniStor app.
- Tap Settings at the lower right.
- In the Camera Upload field, tap the icon to enable.
- Choose the backup scope:
- Back up all photos and videos: Back up everything on the phone right now.
- Only back up newly captured photos and videos: Only back up what's taken from this point on.
- Done.
Android
- Open the OmniStor app.
- Tap the Menu icon at the upper left to open the side menu.
- Tap Settings at the upper right of the menu.
- In the Camera Upload section:
- Set Choose Upload Location (which cloud folder to back up to).
- Set Camera Upload Check Frequency (how often the system checks for new photos).
- Done.
Choose connection method (Wi-Fi vs. mobile data)
Auto-uploading photos over 4G/5G can eat your mobile data quickly. Adjust the connection method:
iOS
- Open the OmniStor app.
- Tap Settings at the lower right.
- Find the Upload and Update Files settings.
- Choose:
- Wi-Fi only: Uploads only when connected to Wi-Fi (recommended for most users).
- Wi-Fi or mobile data: Uploads on either connection (uses mobile data).
Android
- Open the OmniStor app.
- Tap Menu at the upper left.
- Tap Settings at the upper right.
- In Upload and Update Files:
- Wi-Fi only: Uploads only on Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi or mobile data: Uploads on either.
Disable camera auto-upload
When you no longer want auto-backup:
iOS
Follow the same steps to enter Settings, and at Choose Upload Location, select Off.
Android
Follow the same steps to enter Settings, and at Choose Upload Location, select Off.
Which backup mode should I pick?
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| Back up all photos and videos | You want to archive your phone's entire photo history to the cloud |
| Only back up newly captured | You don't want to touch existing photos, only back up new ones from now on |
Note: "Back up all" takes significant time and bandwidth the first time. Run it on Wi-Fi and keep your phone charging.
Auto-upload not working? Quick checks
If photos aren't being backed up:
- Confirm auto-upload is still on: Check Settings — it can reset after an app update or device change.
- Check connection method: If set to "Wi-Fi only," you won't upload while on mobile data.
- Check photo permission: Settings → OmniStor → photo permission is set to "All Photos" or the appropriate level.
- Check cloud space: A full cloud space blocks new uploads.
- Check if the app runs in background: iOS restricts background activity. The app may need to be opened occasionally.
Common questions
Q: Which cloud folder do my photos go into?
A: On Android, you can set the destination folder in "Choose Upload Location." On iOS, it backs up to a default location — check Settings to see it.
Q: Are videos auto-backed up too?
A: Yes, camera auto-upload backs up both photos and videos by default. Videos are large — watch your quota.
Q: If I delete a photo on my phone, will the cloud copy also be deleted?
A: No. Camera auto-upload is a one-way backup — phone to cloud. Deleting on your phone doesn't delete the cloud copy.
Q: Can I back up just specific photo albums?
A: The manual doesn't mention this. Current options are "all" or "new only" — no finer-grained selection.
Q: Why does the app say "complete" but old photos didn't all back up?
A: Possible reasons:
- Some photo formats aren't supported.
- Some photos were skipped due to permissions or encryption.
- A network interruption left some uploads incomplete.
Check the upload list (Android) or activity view (iOS) for failed items.
Still stuck?
Send the following to your administrator or support team:
- Device model and OS version
- OmniStor app version
- A screenshot of the camera auto-upload settings
- Expected number of photos to back up vs. actual count
- Whether you've quit/reopened the app or signed out and back in