Use Google Photos’ Backup and then Free up space on this device. Backup uploads the selected Pixel folders to the Google Account you choose; Free up space removes only the confirmed local copies while leaving the uploaded library in Google Photos. Do not use the ordinary Delete button for this purpose, because it can remove the cloud item and the phone copy together.
What this workflow does
A Pixel can keep photos and videos in two places: local storage on the phone and your Google Photos library in the cloud. The safe sequence is to upload first, verify that the upload is complete, and only then remove the local files. Once a local copy is removed, the item can still be viewed, edited, shared, and organized in Google Photos or at photos.google.com, but it will not be available in the Pixel’s built-in gallery, offline, or while you are signed out of the relevant Google Account.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The workflow has two separate operations:
- Backup: copies selected device folders to Google Photos.
- Free up space on this device: deletes local copies that Google Photos has already backed up.
Keeping those operations separate prevents the most common mistake: deleting an item from Google Photos before confirming that its cloud copy exists.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBefore you start
Confirm the destination account
Open Google Photos and check the profile picture at the top right. The displayed Google Account is the destination for the backup and the account whose storage quota will be used. If more than one account is signed in, switch to the intended account before changing Backup settings. A successful upload to a different account can make photos appear to be missing when you later check another account.
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
Check which folders contain your media
Camera is only one possible source. Screenshots, downloads, messaging-app folders, edited exports, and other device folders can contain photos or videos you want to preserve. Google Photos backs up the device folders you enable, not every folder automatically. Decide which folders belong in the cloud library before beginning.
Prepare a reliable upload session
- Use a stable Wi-Fi connection if the library is large or includes high-resolution video.
- Keep the Pixel connected to power when practical; a long upload can consume substantial battery.
- Do not start local cleanup until Google Photos reports Backup complete.
- Make sure the phone has enough working space for Google Photos and the operating system to finish processing files.
Back up every required Pixel folder
- Open Google Photos and sign in. Launch the app on the Pixel and verify that the profile account is the one you want to use.
- Open Backup settings. Tap Profile picture > Photos settings > Backup.
- Turn Backup on. Confirm the backup account shown in the Backup screen. If the account is wrong, change it before uploading.
- Select device folders. Open Back up device folders and enable each folder that should be included. Do not assume that enabling Backup automatically includes screenshots, downloads, or folders created by other apps.
- Leave the phone connected. Keep Google Photos open or allow it to run while the upload proceeds. Large videos and a large number of files can take considerably longer than ordinary photographs.
- Wait for the status to change. Continue only when the library status says Backup complete. Google documents this status as meaning that no items remain waiting to upload.
A thumbnail appearing in the app is not, by itself, proof that the file is safely backed up. The status indicator and an independent check of important files are safer confirmation points.
Verify the cloud library before deleting anything
Check inside Google Photos
Scroll through recent dates and open several representative files. Include at least one long video, a recent photo, an older photo, and files from each non-Camera folder you enabled. Open a file’s details if you need to confirm its date, device source, or backup state.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check photos.google.com
Sign in to photos.google.com with the same Google Account and look for the files there. Google states that every photo and video found at photos.google.com has been backed up. This browser check is useful because it confirms that the items are available independently of the Pixel’s local file index.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
Resolve missing items first
- If an entire category is absent, return to Back up device folders and enable the folder that contains it.
- If only recent files are missing, wait for processing and check that the phone still has an internet connection.
- If the browser library is empty or shows a different collection, verify the signed-in Google Account.
- If a video is still pending, do not delete its local copy; wait until the video appears in the cloud and the status returns to Backup complete.
Remove backed-up local copies in one operation
- In Google Photos, tap your Profile picture.
- Choose Free up space on this device.
- Review the storage estimate and the items Google Photos proposes to remove.
- Tap Free up [x] from device, using the exact button shown by the app.
- Allow the cleanup to finish before checking the phone’s available storage.
Google’s help documentation describes this feature plainly: “This feature deletes photos from your device.” It is intended for broad local cleanup after backup. The cloud versions remain in Google Photos, but local gallery access and offline access end for those removed files.
The estimate is a proposal, not a replacement for your own review. If a folder contains files that must remain available without an internet connection, copy those files elsewhere or leave them on the phone instead of approving the cleanup for them.
Remove one local copy without deleting its cloud version
For a single photo or video, open it in Google Photos and use More > Delete from device. This item-specific command removes the phone copy while retaining the backed-up cloud item. It is useful when you want to keep a particular file offline on the Pixel but remove other files, or when you want to decide one item at a time rather than accept a broad cleanup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do not substitute the ordinary trash command. Google states that deleting in the Google Photos app deletes the same item from the device, and the cloud item can also be moved to trash. The ordinary Delete action is therefore not the safe choice when your goal is “keep it in Google Photos, remove it only from the phone.”
Rank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
Choose the right command
| Action | Cloud copy | Local Pixel copy | Must Backup be off? | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free up space on this device | Remains in Google Photos after the item is backed up | Removed from the device | No; use after verification | Broad cleanup of eligible backed-up items |
| More > Delete from device | Remains in Google Photos | Removed for the selected item | No | One item at a time |
| Ordinary Delete/Trash | Can be deleted from Google Photos | Can also be deleted from the device | No | Deletion, not cloud-preserving cleanup |
| Delete from photos.google.com with Backup off | Removed from Google Photos | Local file can remain | Yes, on relevant devices | Reverse workflow: remove cloud copies while keeping local files |
The distinction is simple: use a command that says from device when you want to preserve the cloud library. Use ordinary Delete only when you intend to remove the Google Photos item as well.
What changes after local cleanup
Where you can still find the files
Removed files remain searchable and manageable in Google Photos and at photos.google.com. You can edit them, share them, add them to albums, and organize them there as long as you are signed in to the account containing the backup.
Where you cannot find them
They will no longer appear as local files in the Pixel’s built-in gallery. They are also unavailable when the phone has no connection and unavailable if you sign out of the Google Account that holds the library. If you need a file during travel, in an area with poor coverage, or inside an app that requires a local file, leave a local copy or download one before going offline.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why free space may differ from the estimate
The amount recovered depends on which backed-up files are eligible and on how Android reports storage. Cached thumbnails, app data, downloads, and system files are separate from the photos removed by Google Photos, so the phone’s free-space number may not exactly match the estimate shown in the cleanup screen.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
Manage storage limits and Pixel-specific allowances
Each Google Account includes up to 15 GB of storage. That capacity is shared by Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos rather than reserved exclusively for photos. When the shared pool is full, new backups can stop until you delete other data or buy additional storage.
Google’s current Photos activity and storage information documents an unlimited-storage benefit for photos and videos backed up from Pixel 5 and earlier devices. The benefit is tied to those Pixel generations and Google’s stated eligibility rules; do not assume that a newer Pixel receives the same treatment. Check the account’s current storage information before planning a large migration around an unlimited-storage assumption.
Removing local copies does not by itself reduce the cloud quota. It recovers phone storage, while the backed-up items continue to count according to the storage policy that applies to the account and device.
Reverse the process: remove cloud items but keep Pixel files
If your objective is the opposite—delete backed-up items from Google Photos while retaining the files on the Pixel—use a different sequence:
- Turn Backup off on the relevant devices.
- Open photos.google.com and delete the cloud items there.
- Leave Backup off so the local files are not uploaded again.
Google recommends this approach because deleting cloud items while Backup remains active can allow the phone to upload them again. Confirm that the local files are present before removing anything from the browser library; this reverse workflow is not a phone-storage cleanup.
Troubleshoot common problems
Backup never reaches “Backup complete”
- Check that Backup is still on and that the intended account is selected.
- Open Back up device folders and confirm that the folders containing the pending files are enabled.
- Reconnect to a stable network and keep the Pixel charging while large videos upload.
- Check the Google Account’s shared storage. Gmail, Drive, and Photos all draw from the same included capacity.
- Leave the files on the device until the pending count clears and the status changes.
Some screenshots or downloads are missing
Camera backup does not guarantee that other folders are included. Return to Profile picture > Photos settings > Backup > Back up device folders and enable the specific folder. Then wait for the new items to finish uploading and verify them in the browser.
A file disappeared after cleanup
First check Google Photos and photos.google.com under the account used for Backup. If the file is there, it was removed locally as intended. If it is absent from both locations, the file may not have been backed up before cleanup or may have been deleted with the ordinary Delete command. Check Google Photos trash if you used Delete rather than a device-only command.
The phone still reports low storage
Run the Free up space command again to see whether additional eligible items remain, then inspect other large categories in Android storage settings. Photos cleanup does not remove app data, downloads, message attachments, or system files, and Android may take time to recalculate free space.
I need a cleaned-up file without internet access
Free up space removes the local copy, so Google Photos cannot provide that file offline afterward. Before traveling or entering an offline environment, download the required items back to the Pixel or retain local copies for the folders you need.
A safe repeatable routine
For future cleanups, use this order every time:
- Identify the Google Account that should own the library.
- Identify every Pixel folder that contains media worth keeping.
- Enable those folders under Back up device folders.
- Wait for Backup complete.
- Verify representative photos and videos in Google Photos and at photos.google.com.
- Use Free up space on this device for broad cleanup or More > Delete from device for one item.
- Keep local copies of anything needed offline or by a gallery-based app.
This sequence preserves the cloud library while reclaiming Pixel storage and makes the irreversible decision—removing the local file—occur only after the backup has been checked.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
