Running out of space on Google Photos can be frustrating, especially when those “storage full” notifications interrupt your day. But don’t worry—there are several easy ways to free up space without losing your most cherished memories. With a few smart strategies, you can reclaim gigabytes of storage and delay the need for a paid upgrade.
Why Freeing Up Space in Google Photos Matters ?
Google Photos is a fantastic tool for storing your pictures in the cloud, but its free 15GB limit covers everything in your Google account—including Gmail and Google Drive. Once you hit that cap, you may face slowed services or even be unable to upload new files. Before you consider paying for more storage, try these simple tips to clear space effectively.
Tip 1: Eliminate Duplicate Files and Unnecessary Screenshots
Duplicate files can quietly eat up your storage space, and manually finding them can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Luckily, tools like Files by Google can do the heavy lifting for you.
Here’s how:
- Download or open Files by Google (free and often pre-installed on Android devices).
- Navigate to the “Clean” tab.
- Select “Delete duplicate files.”
The app will automatically identify duplicates, showing you side-by-side comparisons so you can choose which to keep. Once you’ve reviewed them, you can delete duplicates all at once or one by one. Rest assured, the app keeps a backup of unique files to prevent accidental data loss.
Another common space-hogging culprit is screenshots. Between event tickets, saved memes, and random instructions, they can pile up fast. Files by Google also makes it easy to clean these out:
- Go back to the “Clean” tab.
- Choose “Delete old screenshots.”
Review the list to ensure nothing important is deleted, but for the most part, a quick purge will free up a surprising amount of space.
If you’re using Google Photos directly, enable the “Group similar photos” feature in the app’s settings. This organizes similar images into stacks, making it easy to delete unnecessary duplicates with just a few taps.
Tip 2: Remove Blurry or Low-Quality Photos
Not every photo is worth keeping. Blurry shots, accidental snaps, or poorly framed images take up space for no good reason. Once again, Files by Google is your best friend here:
- Open the app and navigate to the “Clean” tab.
- Scroll to “Delete blurry photos.”
The app uses AI to detect low-quality images. While it’s generally accurate, it’s a good idea to double-check its recommendations before deleting. After all, a slightly blurry photo might hold sentimental value, even if it’s not Instagram-worthy.
Tip 3: Compress Files for More Storage
If space is at a premium, compressing photos and videos is a quick way to reclaim storage. Compression reduces file size, but be aware that it also lowers quality. For many users, though, the trade-off is worth it.
To enable compression in Google Photos:
- Log in to Google Photos on your browser.
- Go to Settings (gear icon in the top-right corner).
- Select the “Storage saver” option.
This feature compresses high-resolution files to save up to 70% of storage. However, compression is permanent, so ensure you have backups of any images you want to keep in their original quality.
Precautions Before You Start
Before diving into a cleanup, take these precautions to protect your important files:
- Backup first: Save key photos and videos to an external hard drive, USB stick, or another cloud service.
- Check shared files: Deleting photos in Google Photos or Drive might impact others if they’re part of a shared folder.
- Set a routine: Regular monthly cleanups can prevent storage issues from building up in the future.
Keep Your Storage Organized for the Long Run
By using tools like Files by Google and enabling smart features in Google Photos, you can maintain a clutter-free account without spending a cent. Whether it’s removing duplicates, deleting old screenshots, or compressing files, each small action adds up to significant storage savings.
The next time you get a “storage full” notification, don’t stress. With these simple tips, you’ll have your Google Photos account back in shape in no time!