# Auto-backup from Phone

Use the Zettlab mobile app to continuously back up new photos and videos from your phone to your NAS Photos.

## Download the Mobile App

- Official download center: [https://zettlab.com/pages/download-center](https://zettlab.com/pages/download-center)
- Or search **"Zettlab"** in **Google Play** or the **Apple App Store**

## Before You Begin

- The NAS has completed Initial Setup and [How to Add and Manage Your Photos](apps/photos/manage)
- Your phone can reach the NAS (LAN or remote access configured)
- Have your NAS account and password ready

## Steps

1. Download and install the Zettlab mobile app via the link above
2. Open the app, enter the NAS address, sign in with your account
3. Go to **Photo**, tap the `+` in the top-right → `Backup Photo Album`
4. Choose the phone albums to back up (system albums / custom albums)
5. Turn on backup

![Mobile Photo + Backup Photo Album](screenshots/mobile/en-US/photos/mobile-backup-create-1080x2340.jpg)

> ℹ️ **Tips for faster backups:**
> ** Keep the app in the foreground for the fastest backup; the phone may warm up noticeably during backup, which is normal.

> ℹ️ **About network modes:**
> ** The mobile app supports two access modes —

**LAN sign-in (via IP)**: phone and NAS on the same network; fastest path, recommended for backup.
**Remote ID access (over public internet)**: connects via the NAS remote-access ID using our free relay line — but the relay has a speed cap, which affects backup/browse speed.

## Success Indicators

- Verify that photos have been backed up to the NAS

## Troubleshooting

- **Backup is slow** — Large historical library on first run; or Wi-Fi-only mode while on cellular
- **Backup fails** — Check NAS reachability, credentials, and free space in the target directory
- **If I delete a photo on the phone, is it still on the NAS?** — Yes. Backup is one-way "phone → NAS", not two-way sync.