Google Photos users on mobile devices can anticipate a new feature that will allow them to significantly reduce their storage use. This feature converts original quality photos into Google’s space-saving Storage Saver format, enabling users to free up valuable Google One storage space without needing to upgrade to a higher storage plan. The feature, currently unavailable but discovered by serial leaker AssembleDebug, will be accessible through the “Manage storage” menu under a new section called “Recover storage.”
Although this capability has been available on the Web interface at photos.google.com for some time, this will mark the first time it appears in the Google Photos Android app. Given this development, it is likely that the feature will also be incorporated into the iOS version of the app in the near future. Despite the promising discovery, there is no definitive confirmation that Google will indeed enable the feature for users, but its availability on desktop browsers suggests a high likelihood of its future integration.
The Storage Saver mode, previously known as “High Quality” mode, imposes limitations on photos, capping them at 16 Megapixels, and applies compression to save storage space. Videos are also compressed and limited to a maximum resolution of 1080p. Google assures that photos and videos saved in Storage Saver mode will still maintain good quality for printing and viewing, with photos printable up to 24×16 inches and videos looking close to the original, albeit with potential loss of certain details such as closed captions.
Users have the flexibility to switch between Original Quality and Storage Saver modes for future backups, with the new “Recover storage” option allowing for the recompression of existing photos and videos stored in the cloud. This process will free up storage space, but users should be aware that the original quality versions will be irretrievably deleted. It is recommended to backup any high-quality photos or videos before initiating the storage recovery process, either by downloading the entire collection using Google Takeout or saving important images individually.
For those who wish to retain high-quality content shot at resolutions higher than 1080p, taking precautionary backup measures is essential. Users can download their entire collection through Google Takeout or individually save crucial images before engaging in the storage recovery process. This feature will offer Google Photos users on mobile devices a convenient way to optimize their storage usage, potentially avoiding the need for costly storage plan upgrades while still maintaining satisfactory photo and video quality.
