To check your Google Account storage usage, go to drive.google.com/drive/quota. This page displays how much storage you're using across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll typically find and how to manage your storage:
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Google Storage Usage: The page will show you a visual representation of how your 15 GB of free storage (or more, if you have a paid Google One plan) is being utilized. It indicates which service is consuming the most space.
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What counts towards your storage:
- Google Drive: Files and folders you've uploaded, including PDFs, documents, images, videos, etc.
- Gmail: Emails and attachments.
- Google Photos: Photos and videos uploaded in "Original Quality." (Photos uploaded in "Storage saver" (previously "High Quality") before June 1, 2021, do not count towards your storage. All photos and videos uploaded after that date count, regardless of quality setting.)
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Managing Your Storage: If you're nearing your storage limit, consider the following:
- Delete unnecessary files: Review Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos for large or obsolete files you no longer need.
- Empty the Trash: Deleted files still consume storage until you empty the Trash/Bin in both Google Drive and Gmail.
- Compress Photos/Videos: In Google Photos, you can switch the upload quality to "Storage saver" to reduce file sizes. However, be aware that changing from "Original Quality" to "Storage saver" after June 1, 2021, will compress your photos and videos permanently. Photos uploaded in "Storage saver" before that date are grandfathered in and do not count towards your storage.
- Consider Google One: If you need more storage, you can upgrade to a Google One plan, which offers additional storage options at various price points.
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Accessing Google One (If Applicable): If you subscribe to Google One, you can manage your storage, family sharing, and other benefits directly through the Google One website or app. You can usually access this directly from the storage quota page mentioned above.
By regularly monitoring your Google Account storage and managing your files effectively, you can ensure you have enough space for your important data.
