Google Photos axes free, unlimited storage for ‘high quality’ snaps Google PIxel 4a 5G


Google Photos, the search giant’s popular online image storage and editing platform, has today announced it will no longer provide free, unlimited storage for ‘high quality’ photos and videos. Starting on June 1, 2021, any newly uploaded images will instead count towards the free 15GB of cloud storage that comes with every Google Account.
If you use Google Photos, any ‘high quality’ photos or videos you upload to the service before the June 1 deadline will not count towards that 15GB storage cap, even after the new rules come into play.
There’s no change being made to images or videos uploaded in ‘original quality’, as these are already counted towards an account’s 15GB storage cap. The key difference between the two is that ‘original quality’ preserves files in their original resolution, while ‘high quality’ files are processed and compressed automatically by Google Photos to save space.
There is one notable group of users who are exempt from the changes: if you own any Pixel smartphone, from the original through to the brand new Pixel 5, you can continue uploading and storing as many high quality snaps and videos as you’d like without it contributing to your quota.
In a blog post, Google Photos says the switch is a necessary step that, “allows us to keep pace with the growing demand for storage”. Still, it’s sure to elicit a reaction from users who have been receiving free, unlimited storage of their memories in for over five years now.
Google estimates that once these changes take effect, around 80% of users should be able to store about three more years worth of photos and videos before they’ll hit that 15GB free storage cap. The company also provides a personalized estimate, so you can see how much you have left. Other Google services such as Gmail and Drive also count towards your 15GB.
Once June 1, 2021 rolls around, Google is also introducing a new function that will spot dark or blurry photos, and even large videos, and ask if you want to delete them from your account.
If you find you’ve reached the 15GB cap, you’ll need to sign up for a Google One account to buy more storage space. Prices start at $1.99 / £1.99 / AU$1.99 per month for 100GB.
Google Photos, the search giant’s popular online image storage and editing platform, has today announced it will no longer provide free, unlimited storage for ‘high quality’ photos and videos. Starting on June 1, 2021, any newly uploaded images will instead count towards the free 15GB of cloud storage that comes…
Recent Posts
- HPE launches slew of Xeon-based Proliant servers which claim to be impervious to quantum computing threats
- Limited Run says potentially damaging NES carts are supplier’s fault
- Apple announces the iPhone 16e with Apple Intelligence for $599
- A popular Japanese distraction-free writing device is coming to the US
- Rivian’s new Dune edition lets you channel your inner Fremen
Archives
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- September 2018
- October 2017
- December 2011
- August 2010