How to Free Up Space in Google Photos

Google provides 15 GB of shared free cloud storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. High-resolution 4K video clips and RAW image files quickly push accounts over the quota limit, preventing new emails from arriving.

Here is how to reclaim several gigabytes of space in Google Photos without losing your precious memories.

Step 1: Use the Google Storage Management Tool

Google includes an automated cloud storage cleaner that pinpoints bloated files:

1. Open a browser and visit: https://photos.google.com/quotamanagement (or tap your Profile icon in Google Photos > Account storage).
2. Review the categories:

• Large photos & videos: Identifies video clips over 100 MB.
• Blurry photos: Identifies out-of-focus camera shots.
• Screenshots: Identifies temporary receipts and memes.
• Other apps / unsupported videos: Files corrupted or unplayable in cloud storage.

1. Click into each category, select unwanted files, and click Move to trash.

Step 2: Convert Existing "Original Quality" Photos to "Storage Saver"

Photos uploaded in Original Quality count fully against your 15 GB limit. You can compress existing library photos into high-efficiency Storage Saver quality (16 MP photos & 1080p HD video) with a single click:

1. On a desktop browser, open https://photos.google.com/settings.
2. Look for Recover storage (or Manage storage).
3. Click Convert existing photos & videos to Storage Saver.
4. Check the acknowledgment box and click Compress.
5. Google's servers will compress your stored media in the background, freeing up massive gigabytes within a few hours.

Step 3: Empty the Google Photos Trash Bin

Files you delete remain in the cloud Trash folder for 60 days, continuing to occupy quota until purged:

1. Open Google Photos and click Trash (or Bin).
2. Review the items to ensure nothing vital was selected.
3. Click Empty Trash (or tap the three dots and select Empty Bin).
4. Confirm permanent deletion. Your free storage quota updates immediately.