Google has recently given Google Photos several major makeovers and enhancements.
Most of those changes focused on new editing tools and presets in the main Photos and Create views, along with Gemini-based features.
This left the Collections view largely unchanged and stuck with the classic layout for years.
Now, Google Photos has been updated, and it finally introduces a new design and meaningful improvements to the library’s tab.
Google finally gives Google Photos’ collections a makeover
The redesigned Collections view arrived in Google Photos version 7.97, updated on October 27, 2026.
The changes were enabled via a server-side push, as 9to5Google first spotted.
Both my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 already show the new Collections, so most users likely have the update.
This is a much-needed upgrade, following Google’s rollout of new Moods for classic filters and fresh Remix styles to the Create tab in September.
It’s more than a visual tweak, as it also adds expanded customization controls.
What’s new in Google Photos’ collections view
The notable change is the layout, which now features a Pinned row at the top.
You can customize this row to highlight albums, places, people or pets, and documents.
All sections, including Pinned, appear as a carousel of cards, each card complete with a clear label.
Below the Pinned row are device collections, followed by other categories organized as:
- Pinned
- On this device
- People and pets
- Places
- Albums
- Documents
The best part is that you can reorder these rows, except for the Pinned section, which is sticky and has its own control.
That’s a big shift from the rigid layout before, which users couldn’t customize beyond manually creating albums.
How to clean up albums and collections in Google Photos
To customize the Pinned shelf, just tap on the Edit button on top of it.
You can then select albums or other collections to add alongside Screenshots, Favorites, and Trash.
In my case, I added places to the pinned section, and I appreciate how Google Photos automatically categorizes these by cities.
Once added, you will see your selection anchored in the upper pane.
You can pin as many locations as you want, like the story highlights in apps such as Instagram or Facebook. You can also combine people and pets with standard photo albums.
I like that you can rearrange the cards freely, or remove and unpin them entirely whenever you want.
At the bottom of the tab, Other Collections houses shortcuts to remaining folders, videos, documents, and subcategories like Stickers, Moments, and Creations.
From here, a Reorder button lets you adjust the position of these rows, such as device folders, places, albums, and documents.
Alternatively, you can choose to hide these sections entirely by simply unchecking the box beside their name.
Google Photos is no longer a mess
Even with the extensive organizing tools in the tab, I was surprised by how fluid the entire Google Photos interface felt to customize.
Thumbnails and media load right away, and I can jump into folders and sections without any lag.
It’s a shame it took Google this long to declutter the tab. But regardless, these improvements are welcome.
