Uploading Photos to Google Drive (Simple Setup)

Goal:
While in Mexico, take photos and upload them to Google Drive so the team can share them.

Step 1 — Check Your Carrier (Before You Leave)

AT&T / T-Mobile

• Mexico is usually included on Unlimited plans
  
  

• No action needed
  
  

Verizon

• Many plans include Mexico
  
  

• Some require TravelPass ($10/day)
  
  

• Check the Verizon app to confirm
  
  

Xfinity Mobile Users (Important)

Mexico coverage depends on your plan.

If you have Unlimited or Premium Unlimited

• Mexico is included
  
  

• Calls, texts, and data work automatically
  
  

• No add-on needed
  
  

If you have By-the-Gig or an older plan

You must add:

Mexico & Canada Unlimited Pass

• $5 per line per month
  
  

• Includes:
  
  

  • Unlimited talk & text
    
    

  • 5 GB high-speed data (then slower)
    
    

If you do NOT add this pass:

• Data is charged pay-as-you-go
  
  

• Uploading photos can cost hundreds of dollars
  
  

How to add

1. Open the Xfinity Mobile app
   
   

2. Select your line
   
   

3. Add Mexico & Canada Unlimited Pass
   
   

Step 2 — Turn On Data Roaming

iPhone

1. Open Settings
   
   

2. Tap Cellular
   
   

3. Tap Cellular Data Options
   
   

4. Turn Data Roaming → ON
   
   

Android

1. Open Settings
   
   

2. Tap Connections or Network & Internet
   
   

3. Tap Mobile Networks
   
   

4. Turn Data Roaming → ON
   
   

Step 3 — Connect to Wi-Fi at the Campsite (Recommended)

Uploading photos uses a lot of data.

Whenever possible:

1. Open Settings
   
   

2. Tap Wi-Fi
   
   

3. Connect to the campsite network
   
   

Tip:
If you have Xfinity By-the-Gig, use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid using your data allowance.

Step 4 — Upload Photos to Google Drive

Manual Upload

1. Open Google Drive
   
   

2. Tap + (New)
   
   

3. Tap Upload
   
   

4. Select photos
   
   

Automatic Backup (Recommended)

If using Google Photos:

1. Open Google Photos
   
   

2. Tap your profile picture
   
   

3. Go to Photos Settings
   
   

4. Tap Backup
   
   

5. Turn Backup ON
   
   

6. Turn on Backup using Wi-Fi only
   
   

This prevents large cellular data usage.

Step 5 — Test When You Arrive

After entering Mexico:

1. Turn Airplane Mode ON
   
   

2. Wait 10 seconds
   
   

3. Turn it OFF
   
   

4. Make sure you have signal
   
   

5. Take one photo and upload to confirm it works
   
   

Step 6 — Data Reality (Why This Matters)

Approximate usage:

• One photo: 3–10 MB
  
  

• 100 photos: up to 1 GB
  
  

Without the right plan, this can result in very high charges.

Quick Checklist for the Team

Before leaving:

• Confirm your carrier plan includes Mexico
  
  

• Xfinity By-the-Gig users: add the $5 Mexico Pass
  
  

• Turn Data Roaming ON
  
  

• Set Google Photos to Wi-Fi only backup
  
  

At the campsite:

• Connect to Wi-Fi if available
  
  

• Upload photos through Google Drive or Google Photos