PSA: Today is the last day of free unlimited Google Photos storage

The dreaded day for Google Photos users is here. Today, May 31, is the last day of you enjoying free unlimited high-quality storage in Google Photos. Starting tomorrow, June 1, all your high-quality and express-quality images will count towards your free 15GB Google account storage.

Once you reach that 15GB limit, you will have to start deleting some of your photos or other Google Drive content to free up space. Alternatively, you can also purchase a Google One plan to increase your Google account’s storage up to 2TB.

If you are a Google Photos user who will be impacted by the new storage policy, here are some frequently asked questions you may want answers to before the June 1 deadline.

Google Photos storage change: FAQs

What will happen to my photos and videos backed up before June 1?

The good news is that your high-quality and express-quality photos and videos backed up before June 1, 2021, won’t count toward your 15GB Google Account storage. So if you still haven’t backed up some images, now is the time to do so.

What about storage space for original quality photos and videos?

Original quality photos and videos will continue to count toward your Google account storage. Photos backed up in original quality and then compressed to high quality after June 1, 2021, will also count toward your Google account storage.

How do I find out how much storage I have left on my Google account?

You can use Google’s storage management tool to know how much storage space you have left, clean up storage, delete blurry photos and screenshots, and get more storage.

How much do Google One plans cost if I have to upgrade my Google account storage?

Google One plan prices vary across different regions. If you’re in the US, Google One plans start at $1.99/month for 100GB of storage. You also have an option to get 200GB storage for $2.99/month or 2TB storage for $9.99/month.

What are some of the best Google Photos alternatives?

There are many good options available if you’re planning to jump ship. Here’s our list of the best Google Photos alternatives you can get.

I am a Pixel owner. Will Google Photos storage changes also apply to me?

If you have a Google Pixel 5 or an earlier device, you’ll continue to receive free unlimited storage for photos and videos backed up from your Pixel devices. Pixel 3 owners can still upload unlimited original quality images to Google Photos through January 31, 2022, when it will switch to unlimited high-quality pictures. Pixel 2 owners have already switched to unlimited high-quality uploads as of January 16, 2021. Those who own the original Pixel will be able to continue uploading at original quality with no limits.

What happens to my photos if I’m over the limit?

If you exceed your 15GB storage quota, it means you’re using more storage space than you have available. Google says if you’re over quota for 24 months, your content may be impacted.

Are you planning to stay with Google Photos or switch to a different service? Let us know by voting in the poll above.