Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTurn off Backup in Google Photos on every device that uploads to your account to stop future uploads. That does not remove photos already backed up or free the storage they use. To reclaim space, first download and verify a copy of anything you want to keep, then delete selected cloud items and leave Backup off on devices where local copies should remain.
Stop Google Photos from uploading new photos and videos
On Android, open Google Photos, tap your profile picture, then go to Photos settings > Backup and switch Backup off. On iPhone or iPad, open Google Photos settings and turn off Backup. Menu labels can vary by app version.
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Repeat this on each phone or tablet using the same Google Account. Turning Backup off on one device stops future uploads from that device; it does not erase the cloud library. The app may continue to show photos stored on your device even when they are not backed up.
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Turning off Backup is not a cleanup step: items already stored in Google Photos continue to use account storage until removed. If you want to keep a separate copy, download your data and verify that the archive contains the files you need before deleting anything. Google says permanently deleted content cannot be recovered with Google Takeout.
#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.
- On every device where you want local copies to remain, turn off Google Photos Backup.
- In a browser, go to photos.google.com and delete only the cloud items you have chosen to remove.
- While connected to Wi-Fi, wait a few minutes, then close and reopen the Google Photos app. Deleted items may still appear in the app because local copies can remain on the device.
- Leave Backup off on the relevant devices so those local copies are not uploaded again.
Check an item’s backup status rather than assuming that its appearance in the app means it exists only in the cloud or only on your device. Deletion can be consequential: review Google’s confirmation and trash behavior before proceeding.
Check whether Photos is actually using the storage
Google storage is shared across Photos, Drive and Gmail. A standard Google Account includes up to 15 GB, according to Google, but account type and paid plans can change the available amount. Check the Google One storage manager or Google Photos’ storage management page to see which service is consuming space before deleting files.
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.
Google’s cleanup guidance says deleted Google Photos items remain in Trash before permanent deletion, typically for 30 days. Other services may handle deleted items differently, so check the confirmation shown for each cleanup action. If the account is already full, turning off Backup alone will not free space; you need to remove existing data or choose another storage option. Being over quota can also affect other Google services. Google says content may be deleted if an account remains over quota for two years, so review the applicable account policy rather than treating Backup-off as a complete fix.
Which Google Photos backups count toward storage?
Storage use depends on backup quality and upload date. Google’s current help guidance distinguishes these cases:
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.
- Original quality: backups count toward account storage regardless of when they were uploaded.
- Storage saver (formerly High quality) and Express: uploads made before June 1, 2021 do not count under Google’s stated rules; later uploads do count.
- Some older Pixel devices: a qualifying device may have a separate storage exception. Check Google’s policy for the specific Pixel model and upload rather than assuming all Pixel photos are unlimited.
Do not assume that changing a quality setting or turning off Backup will retroactively remove storage usage from files that already count.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose between deleting, keeping a local archive, or adding storage
| Option | Stops future uploads? | Reclaims current Google storage? | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn off Backup | Yes, on each device where it is turned off. | No. | Best if you only want to stop new uploads. Existing cloud items remain. |
| Download an archive, then delete cloud items | Only if Backup remains off on uploading devices. | Yes, when the cloud items are removed. | Verify the archive before deletion. A local drive can hold the archive, but buying one is not required to turn Backup off. |
| Keep backing up and add Google storage | No. | No; it increases available capacity rather than removing existing usage. | Google One offers additional storage where available; plan details vary by account and region. |
For desktop users, Google’s help page states that Drive for desktop ended support for Google Photos backup on August 10, 2026. The former folder-level workflow is not a current way to start backups after that date. This is separate from the Backup control in the mobile Google Photos app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
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- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of 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
- 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.
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