Google Photos offers unlimited free storage for “High Quality” photos and videos. Here’s how you can use Google Photos to store an unlimited amount of photos and videos:
- Install Google Photos App: Make sure you have the Google Photos app installed on your Android or iOS device. If you don’t have it, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
- Sign in to Your Google Account: Open the Google Photos app and sign in with your Google Account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create a Google Account to use the service.
- Enable High Quality Uploads: By default, Google Photos might be set to upload photos and videos in their original quality, which can count against your Google Account storage. To take advantage of the free unlimited storage for “High Quality” images and videos, you’ll need to enable this option:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner to open the side menu.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Select “Back up & sync.”
- Under “Upload size,” choose “High quality.” This will upload your media in a slightly compressed format that maintains good quality but doesn’t count against your storage quota.
- Start Backing Up Your Photos and Videos: Once “High Quality” uploads are enabled, Google Photos will automatically back up your photos and videos to your Google Account. This process may take some time, depending on the number of files you have and your internet connection speed.
- Verify Backup Status: You can check the backup status by opening the Google Photos app and looking for the “Backup complete” message. Additionally, you’ll see a “Cloud” icon or other indicators next to photos and videos that have been successfully backed up.
- Accessing Backed-Up Photos and Videos: Once your media is backed up, you can access it from any device with Google Photos installed or by visiting the Google Photos website (photos.google.com) on your computer. You can organize, edit, and share your media directly from the app or website.
Keep in mind that the availability of unlimited free storage for “High Quality” photos and videos may be subject to change. It’s always a good idea to check the latest storage policies from Google to ensure you’re aware of any updates or limitations that may apply.
Note: As my knowledge is based on information available until September 2021, there might have been changes or updates to Google Photos’ policies or features after that date. Always verify the current terms and conditions directly from Google Photos or Google’s official documentation.