Google Photos users report handy drag-to-select feature has disappeared

Recently, Google Photos users have noticed that the app won’t let them search for terms related to regulated or illicit substances. While that appears to be an intentional choice implemented into Google’s guardrails, a new issue has popped up that seems unintentional. A convenient photo selection feature has suddenly disappeared from the app for some.

Google Photos users are flocking to Reddit to report that drag to select no longer works for them. If you’re unfamiliar with drag to select, the feature allows you to select multiple photos by dragging your finger across the screen. It works by long-pressing a photo to enable multi-select. Once enabled, you can drag your finger to select all the photos you want.

According to the affected users, tapping and holding a photo still enables multi-select. However, if you move your finger, all that happens is the screen scrolls up or down. As a result, these users now have to take the time to individually select each picture they want to pick.

The post features dozens of comments, with users confirming that they, too, are missing the feature. One of our own writers also confirms that the feature has disappeared from their device. It appears the problem is not just happening on Google Pixel devices, but also on multiple Galaxy models and OnePlus phones.

Google is known for constantly making tweaks to its apps, but this appears to be a bug rather than an intentional removal. One of the Reddit posters says the feature is still working on their tablet, even though it’s not available on their Pixel 9a. I can also confirm that the feature is still available on my Pixel 6 Pro.

Android Authority has reached out to Google for comment. We’ll update this story when more information is available.