With seamless sharing, a generous 15GB of free space, and tight integration with Google Workspace’s andAndroid’s best apps, Google Drive remains the de-facto choice for many users. Although the 15GB storage seems sufficient, you may quickly run out of Drive space due to countless emails, media backups, and large files. If you don’t want to upgrade to one of the Google One plans, use the tricks below to free up space in Google Drive.

Are you on the verge of filling up your Google Drive storage? Do you frequently receive messages in Google Photos and Drive that say, “Your storage is full”? Before you start a Google One subscription on your Android phone or atop Chromebook, remove unnecessary files and media from your Drive account.

Google One home

Why should you free up storage in Google Drive?

Insufficient space in your Google Drive account can break your workflow. Here’s what happens when you fill up your Google Drive space:

You can still sign in and access current files in your Google account. If you are over the Google Drive quota for two years or longer, the company may remove all your data from Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive (including Sheets, Docs, Drawings, Forms, and Jamboard files). The search giant sends warnings via email and notifications at least three months before.

review and clean up items

Use the Google One storage manager

Google offers a detailed breakdown of Drive space via Google One web. you’re able to glance over the storage details, device backups, Google One plans, and benefits. Read our separate post tolearn all about Google One.

you may also find large items in Google Drive and Google Photos from the same menu. Now, check the Google Drive space. Continue reading if your Drive space is still close to 100%.

find large emails in Google One

Delete large files from Google Drive

You should identify and delete large files from Google Drive. It’s an effective way to free up space in your Google account.

Remove old phone backups from Google Drive

Your Android phone uses Google Drive to back up device data such as messages, MMS, call history, and app data. If you have several backups from an old Android phone or Chromebook, use the steps below to delete them.

Delete app data from Google Drive

Many developers use Google Drive to save the app data. Remove the app data from your Google account if you use several such apps.

Manage storage in Google Photos

When you upload photos and videos in original quality on Google Photos, it fills up your Drive storage in no time. Google offers an option to convert original media to storage-saver quality to reclaim precious space in Drive.

You can also review large photos, videos, blurry images, screenshots, and unsupported videos from the same menu.

delete large emails in Google One

Manage your Google Drive storage space like a pro

storage menu in Google Drive