In a move that shocked many users, Google announced in June 2021 that its unlimited free storage for photos and videos in Google Photos was coming to an end. Starting June 1, 2021, any new photos and videos uploaded to Google Photos would count towards users' Google Account storage, and older photos and videos would continue to be stored for free.
This change has left many users wondering how they can continue to enjoy the convenience and benefits of Google Photos without breaking the bank. After all, who doesn't love having their precious memories securely backed up and accessible anytime, anywhere?
Well, don't despair! While the days of unlimited free storage are over, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of Google Photos and ensure your photos and videos are safe and sound.
What Changed with Google Photos Storage?
Before the changes, Google Photos offered unlimited free storage for photos and videos uploaded at a "High Quality" setting. This setting compressed your photos and videos, which meant they might not be as sharp as the original files, but the trade-off was unlimited storage.
However, the new storage policy means that all photos and videos, regardless of the upload quality, will count towards your Google Account storage. This includes photos and videos uploaded at the "Original" quality setting, which retains the original resolution and file size.
The good news is that Google Photos still offers a free storage option, but it's limited to 15GB for all your Google services, including Gmail, Drive, and Photos.
Why Did Google Change Its Google Photos Storage Policy?
While Google has not explicitly stated its reasons for the change, the most likely explanation is the sheer volume of data users were uploading. With millions of users around the world relying on Google Photos for their storage needs, the cost of managing such a massive amount of data was undoubtedly becoming unsustainable.
Additionally, Google has been actively promoting its paid Google One subscription service, which offers a variety of perks, including increased storage space for Google Photos, as well as other Google services.
Understanding Google One: The Key to Unlocking More Google Photos Storage
Google One is a subscription service that unlocks additional storage across all Google services, including Google Photos. This means that by subscribing to Google One, you can not only enjoy more Google Photos storage but also benefit from increased storage for your Gmail inbox, Google Drive documents, and more.
Here's a breakdown of the Google One plans and their storage benefits:
| Plan | Price/Month | Storage | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100GB | $1.99 | 100GB | |
| 200GB | $2.99 | 200GB | |
| 2TB | $9.99 | 2TB | |
| 10TB | $99.99 | 10TB | |
| 20TB | $199.99 | 20TB | |
| 30TB | $299.99 | 30TB |
Beyond extra storage, Google One offers a suite of exclusive perks, including:
- Family sharing: Share your storage with up to five family members.
- Google Drive backup: Automatically back up your computer's files with Google Drive.
- Exclusive Google One perks: Enjoy deals and discounts on select Google services, such as Google Play Store and Google Fi.
- 24/7 expert support: Access priority support from Google experts for all your Google services.
How to Get More Storage for Google Photos Without Google One
While Google One is the most straightforward way to access more Google Photos storage, there are other options you can explore, depending on your needs and budget.
Here are some alternatives to consider:
1. Delete Unused Photos and Videos
The simplest way to free up storage space is to delete photos and videos that you no longer need.
Here's how to delete photos and videos from Google Photos:
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On your computer:
- Sign in to photos.google.com.
- Select the photos or videos you want to delete.
- Click the trash can icon to move them to the trash.
- To permanently delete them, open the trash folder and click "Empty trash."
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On your mobile device:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Select the photos or videos you want to delete.
- Tap the trash can icon.
- To permanently delete them, open the trash folder and tap "Empty trash."
To make the process of deleting photos and videos easier, consider these tips:
- Use the "Search" bar: Enter keywords to quickly find photos or videos you want to delete, such as "duplicates" or "old photos."
- Filter by date: You can filter photos and videos by date to delete older content that you no longer need.
- Use the "Assistant" feature: Google Photos' Assistant can help you identify and delete blurry photos, duplicate photos, and other unnecessary files.
2. Use the "Storage Manager" to Identify Large Files
Google Photos offers a "Storage Manager" tool that can help you identify large files that are taking up the most space in your account. This can be especially helpful if you're trying to free up space quickly.
Here's how to use the "Storage Manager":
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On your computer:
- Sign in to photos.google.com.
- Click the "Storage Manager" icon in the left-hand sidebar.
- You'll see a list of photos and videos, sorted by size.
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On your mobile device:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap the "Menu" icon in the top-left corner.
- Tap "Storage Manager."
- You'll see a list of photos and videos, sorted by size.
3. Use a Different Photo Storage Service
If you're not happy with Google Photos' storage limitations, you can always switch to a different photo storage service. There are plenty of other options available, including:
- Amazon Photos: Amazon Prime members get unlimited photo storage for free, along with 5GB of video storage.
- Flickr: Flickr offers 1TB of free storage, with the option to upgrade for more storage.
- Apple iCloud Photos: Apple users can store photos and videos in iCloud for free with a limited storage allowance.
- Dropbox: Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage, with the option to upgrade for more storage.
- Mega: Mega offers 20GB of free storage, with the option to upgrade for more storage.
Before switching to a different photo storage service, consider these factors:
- Storage capacity: How much storage space do you need?
- Pricing: How much are you willing to pay for additional storage?
- Features: What features are important to you, such as photo editing tools, sharing options, and backup capabilities?
- Security: How secure are your photos and videos?
4. Compress Photos and Videos
You can also compress photos and videos to reduce their file size. This can be helpful if you have a lot of high-resolution photos or videos that are taking up too much space.
There are a few ways to compress photos and videos:
- Online tools: Several online tools can compress photos and videos for free. Some popular options include TinyJPG, Compress JPEG, and Online Image Compressor.
- Software: You can also use software programs like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to compress photos and videos.
Here are some tips for compressing photos and videos:
- Choose the right compression level: A higher compression level will result in a smaller file size but may also reduce the quality of the photo or video.
- Use lossy compression: Lossy compression removes some data from the photo or video to reduce its size. This can result in a slight loss of quality, but it is often the most effective way to compress files.
5. Use a Combination of Methods
The best way to manage your Google Photos storage is to use a combination of the methods mentioned above. You can delete unnecessary files, compress photos and videos, and use other photo storage services to ensure you have enough storage space for all your memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much storage do I have in Google Photos?
To check your Google Photos storage, open the app or visit photos.google.com. Click the "Menu" icon in the top-left corner and select "Storage." You'll see your total storage space and how much is used.
2. What happens to my photos and videos if I run out of storage?
If you run out of storage, Google Photos will stop uploading new photos and videos. Existing photos and videos will still be accessible, but you won't be able to create new backups. You'll need to free up some space by deleting photos and videos, or subscribe to a Google One plan.
3. What is the best way to choose a Google One plan?
The best way to choose a Google One plan is to consider how much storage you need and what perks are important to you. If you only need a little extra space, the 100GB plan might be sufficient. If you need more storage, or if you want to take advantage of the Google One perks, you might consider one of the larger plans.
4. Can I share my Google One storage with my family?
Yes, you can share your Google One storage with up to five family members. This means that they can use the storage space for their own Google Photos, Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services.
5. What if I want to switch to a different photo storage service?
If you decide to switch to a different photo storage service, you can download your photos and videos from Google Photos and upload them to your new service. Google Photos makes it easy to download photos and videos in bulk.
Conclusion
The end of unlimited free storage in Google Photos may be a blow to some users, but it's not the end of the world. By understanding the changes and the options available, you can continue to enjoy the convenience and benefits of Google Photos without sacrificing your precious memories.
Remember to regularly delete unnecessary photos and videos, use the "Storage Manager" to identify large files, consider alternative photo storage services, and compress photos and videos to save space.
And don't forget about Google One! With its range of storage options and exclusive perks, Google One can be a valuable resource for those who want to make the most of Google's services.
The key is to find a storage solution that fits your needs and budget. By being proactive and taking advantage of the available options, you can ensure your photos and videos are safely stored and accessible for years to come.