Free up Storage with Google Photos

Save space on your phone by using Google Photos as a cloud-based service

Prerequisites: Be familiar with your device and have a Gmail account

Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus 

Estimated Time: 15 Minutes

Expected Outcome:Increased storage for all devices allowing backups and storage of files on the Google Photos app

Tools Required: The device you are planning on using and account information for your gmail account

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On your iPhone/iPad:

  1. Download the Google Photos app if you do not already have it.
  2. Open the Google Photos app.
  3. Sign in to Google Photos with your Gmail account.
  4. Tap your profile picture in the top right of the home screen search bar > 'Google Photos settings' > 'Back up & sync' > Tap the toggle to allow Google Photos to sync your camera roll
  5. Tap the back arrow at the top left of the screen > 'Manage device storage' > 'Free up space'
  6. Tap 'Delete (####)' where (####) is the number of photos now being stored in Google Photos that you can remove from your device.
  7. Click 'Allow' when your iPhone/iPad prompts you to allow Google Photos to delete these files.

 

On your Android Device:

  1. Download the Google Photos app if you do not already have it.
  2. Open the Google Photos app.
  3. Sign in to Google Photos with your Gmail account.
  4. Tap your profile picture in the top right of the home screen search bar > 'Google Photos settings' > 'Back up & sync' > Tap the toggle to allow Google Photos to sync your camera roll
  5. Tap the back arrow at the top left of the screen > 'Manage device storage' > 'Free up space'
  6. Tap 'Free up ##' where ## is the amount of storage now in Google Photos that you can free up on your device.