If you are a user of Google Photos, then by now you probably know that Google Photos’ unlimited storage is ending in June 2021 (approximately six months from now). This will end the sweet era of unlimited storage most Google Photos users were accustomed to. As of the 1st of June, every image you upload will count towards the 15GB of free storage Google is offering for your account. If you need more than that, you will have to pay for it starting at $1.99 per month for 100GB up to 30TB for $149.99 paid monthly.
The 15GB is not exclusive to Google Photos, as it is also the space you will be using to backup your documents on Google Drive as well as other Google services. The company has promised that it will alert you when you approach the limit. It is also putting management tools in place for Google Photos to help manage the free storage space. This includes a tool to help you identify and trash pictures you may no longer want to keep.
However, you do not have to wait for Google to send you alerts signifying that your storage space is about to run out. Here is how to check how much space you have left.
First, make sure your device is signed into your Google account. Then open the Google Photos app or go to the website from your computer. From there, proceed to the Google Account image on the top right-hand corner. Tap or click on it to open your personal account. In the drop-down menu, there is a section labeled Account Storage, accompanied by information about how much space your content has taken up and how much you have left.
To get more information, tap or click on the Account Storage section. It will show you the percentage of the free storage space you have already used. In some devices it will also provide you with an estimate of much time it will take before you run out of space.
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The good news is that you can still continue uploading images to Google Photos without it counting towards the free storage limit until June 1.
However, if you use a Google Pixel smartphone, you are exempted from the storage limitations and can continue uploading high-quality images to your account without worrying about running out of space. But you need to keep in mind that the pictures will not be the original quality images that you were used to. Google issued a disclaimer indicating that photos and videos might be resized or compressed. But hey! It is better than nothing.
While Google’s ending unlimited storage is not good news, at least they gave us plenty of notice. So head over there and find out how much storage you are currently using, and figure out how to keep it below 15GB unless you are willing to pay for more.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us out of our pocket to keep the site going (going on 20 years now!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated!
Receipts will come from ISIPP.