Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →First check which storage is full: your phone or tablet, or your Google Account. If you want to free phone space while keeping backed-up photos in Google Photos, use Free up space on this device. If your Google Account quota is full, you can convert eligible existing uploads to Storage saver or delete selected cloud items—but only the conversion keeps them in your library, and it can reduce image or video quality.
How do I free up space on my phone but keep my photos in Google Photos?
Use Google Photos’ Free up space on this device feature after confirming that backup has finished for the photos and videos you want to remove from the device. It deletes the local copies; it does not delete the backed-up items from your Google Photos library. Google says those items remain viewable in the app and at photos.google.com.
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- Open Google Photos and tap your account profile menu.
- Confirm backup is complete for the items you want to keep in the library.
- Choose Free up space on this device and follow the prompts. Google’s Android instructions and iPhone and iPad instructions describe the feature.
Afterward, the removed local copies are not available through your device’s built-in gallery or when you are offline. You need to be signed in to Google Photos to view the library copies. On iPhone or iPad, open Apple Photos and delete the same items from Recently Deleted to reclaim the space they still occupy there. On Android, photos or videos less than 30 days old may remain on the device.
Recommended Free Tools
How do I free up Google Account storage without removing photos from my library?
If your Google Account quota—not your device storage—is full, Google provides a separate conversion for eligible existing uploads. On a computer, go to photos.google.com, then open Settings → Manage storage → Recover storage → Convert existing photos and videos to Storage saver. This changes eligible existing uploads without removing them from your Google Photos library. Google says the conversion can be done once per day and does not change the quality selected for future uploads. The control may not appear for some accounts, including accounts with unlimited Google Photos storage, and some files cannot be compressed. See Google’s computer storage-management guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Conversion is not a way to preserve every captured file unchanged. Storage saver may resize photos larger than 16 MP to 16 MP and videos above 1080p to 1080p. Google says 16 MP photos can produce good-quality prints up to 24 × 16 inches; some information, such as video closed captions, may be lost. Files that cannot be compressed remain at their original file size. Check an item’s Details for Not eligible for Storage saver.
What does “keep the original” mean for Google Photos quality?
Google’s settings distinguish between keeping media at the resolution captured and saving space by storing a reduced-size version. If you need the exact captured file unchanged, retain an independent copy before converting or deleting anything.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
| Backup quality | What happens to the media | Storage effect and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Original quality | Google says photos and videos are stored at the resolution captured, with no change to quality. | Counts toward Google Account storage. Google recommends it for images above 16 MP, video above 1080p, and other high-detail or large-print needs. Google’s Android backup-quality guidance. |
| Storage saver | Space-saving copy; photos larger than 16 MP may be resized to 16 MP and videos above 1080p to 1080p. Some information may be lost, and some files cannot be compressed. | Current uploads count toward Google Account storage. Eligible existing uploads can be converted using Recover storage; changing the setting for future uploads alone does not convert old uploads. Google’s computer backup-quality guidance. |
| Express | Available only in some regions. Photos over 3 MP may be resized to 3 MP, and videos above 480p to 480p. | Not a general choice for preserving detail. See Google’s backup-quality guidance. |
Storage saver uploads made before June 1, 2021 (then called High quality) and Express uploads from before that date do not count toward storage. Original quality uploads count regardless of when they were uploaded. Under Google’s current guidance, a Google Account includes up to 15 GB of storage shared across Google services; the amount available to you depends on account usage and plan. These are Google product policies, not independent study results.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What if I am willing to delete unwanted photos from the cloud?
Google Photos’ Manage storage can help you review categories such as large photos and videos. Select only items you intend to remove, then move them to trash. This can free Google Account storage, but it deletes those items from the Photos library; it does not keep them in Google Photos. Google’s guides cover computer and iPhone and iPad.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Deleted Photos items are permanently deleted after 30 days. Once content is permanently deleted, Google Takeout cannot recover it. Google also says the amount of storage you may recover can be an estimate, and an estimate may be unavailable in some situations.
Choose the right cleanup for the space you need
| Action | Which storage it frees | Does the item stay in your Google Photos library? | Does a local copy remain? | Quality or recovery trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free up space on this device | Phone or tablet | Yes, if backup finished before cleanup. | No for copies removed by the feature. | No quality change to the library copy; it is unavailable offline and through the built-in gallery. |
| Recover storage by converting eligible uploads | Google Account | Yes. | Not applicable to the local-device cleanup. | May reduce stored resolution or discard some information; conversion is limited to once per day. |
| Move selected cloud items to trash | Google Account | No. | Not established by the storage-management guidance; do not rely on a device copy as your only backup. | Trash items are permanently deleted after 30 days; permanently deleted content cannot be recovered with Takeout. |
Keep the account from losing access to Photos content
Google says Photos content may be deleted if you are inactive in Google Photos for two or more years, or if your account remains over its storage limit for two or more years. Keep the account active and address a full quota rather than assuming the library will remain indefinitely untouched. See Google’s policy on Photos activity and storage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-in-One Design: 1TB external hard drive, multi-port hub and SD/TF card reader combine to provide ample storage and comprehensive connectivity in a single device for seamless multi-device connectivity to enhance your productivity.
- Multiple Interface Support: The product has a built-in 1TB hard disk and supports USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, SD card slot and TF card slot, which meets the needs of daily work. The product connects to the computer via data cable to realize multi-device interoperability.
- Dual Socket Data Connection Cable: Equipped with USB 3.2 and USB-C dual socket data connection cable, suitable for more models.
- Wide compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS （iPhone 15 and Later） and other operating systems. Support Desktops, Laptops, SmartPhones, Tablets, TVs and other devices.
- Note: This is only compatible with Apple devices that have a USB‑C port (including iPhone 15 and later, as well as all iPads with USB‑C). Using a Lightning to USB‑C adapter will not resolve the compatibility issue.
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
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