To free Google Photos cloud storage, review and delete unwanted cloud files or convert eligible existing Original-quality backups to Storage saver. To free space on an Android phone while keeping backed-up photos in the cloud, use Free up space instead. The two storage problems need different fixes.
Choose the storage you need to free
A standard Google Account includes up to 15 GB shared across Google Photos, Gmail, and Google Drive. Android backups and WhatsApp backups on Android can use that shared quota, too, so check the account’s storage breakdown before assuming Photos is responsible. Google’s storage manager can also flag large videos, blurry photos, and screenshots for review. (Google Account storage, Google Photos storage manager)
| Action | Storage it can free | What happens to the photo or video |
| Android’s “Free up space” | Phone storage, not Google Account storage | Removes local copies that are already backed up; the cloud copies remain in Google Photos. |
| Delete an item from Google Photos | Google Account storage after the item is permanently deleted from trash | Removes the cloud item and can also remove synced copies from devices with backup enabled. |
| Convert existing Original-quality backups to Storage saver | Google Account storage, depending on the files | Reduces the quality of eligible files; converted files still count toward the quota. |
Convert existing backups on a computer
Google’s bulk conversion is a web operation for existing, backed-up Original-quality photos and videos. It can be run once per day and does not change the quality setting for future uploads. (Google Photos backup-quality instructions)
- Check your account’s storage use. Review the breakdown and look for items that are taking up space. This helps you decide whether Photos is the right place to clean up.
- Keep separate copies of originals you want to preserve. Storage saver slightly reduces quality. Pepu Ricca’s Xataka Móvil guide warns that the conversion cannot be undone.
- Open Google Photos on a computer. Go to photos.google.com and sign in to the account with the backups you want to convert.
- Run the conversion. Choose Settings → Manage storage → Recover storage, then select Convert existing photos & videos to Storage saver. Google limits this operation to once a day.
- Check your storage use again. The amount freed depends on the files. Some cannot be compressed, and converting Original-quality items does not make them quota-free.
Storage saver resizes photos larger than 16 MP to 16 MP and videos above 1080p to 1080p. Some files may remain at their original size. The conversion applies to existing backups; choose the future-upload quality separately. (Google’s backup-quality details)
Free phone space and keep the cloud copy
On Android, first confirm that the photos and videos are backed up to the Google Account you intend to keep using. Then choose Free up space in Google Photos. Google says this removes backed-up local copies while leaving the cloud copies in your Photos library. This frees device storage, not Google Account quota. (Google’s Android instructions)
Some photos and videos less than 30 days old may remain on the phone. After local copies are removed, items may no longer appear in the phone’s built-in gallery; viewing the cloud copies requires Google Photos, a signed-in account, and an internet connection. (Google’s Android instructions)
Deleting a backed-up item through Google Photos is a different action: Google says it can also remove synced copies from devices with backup enabled. Photos in trash can continue to use storage until they are permanently deleted, so review items before emptying it. (Google One deletion guidance, Google storage guide)
Check which backups count toward the quota
Original-quality backups count toward Google Account storage. Eligible Storage saver or Express backups made before June 1, 2021 remain exempt, while qualifying uploads made on or after that date count. Converting an Original-quality backup to Storage saver does not give it that earlier-upload exemption. (Google Account storage rules, Google Photos storage rules)
Google Photos also lists Pixel 5 and earlier phones for unlimited, no-charge storage of photos and videos backed up from those devices, subject to the applicable device and backup conditions. (Google Photos storage rules)
When an account is over quota, Google says new photo and video backups stop, and Gmail and Drive can also be affected. If an account stays over quota for two years, content may be deleted; Google says it will give at least three months’ notice before content becomes eligible for deletion. (Google Account storage rules)
