Running out of space on your Google account can be frustrating, but don’t worry, increasing your Google storage is a simple process. By following the steps below, you can quickly and easily expand your storage capacity so you can keep saving those important files and photos without any hassle.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Increase Google Storage
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re trying to achieve. Increasing your Google storage will allow you to store more data across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. This can be especially useful if you frequently use these services and are running out of space.
Step 1: Check Your Current Storage Usage
Head over to google.com/settings/storage to see how much storage you’re using.
When you visit this page, you’ll see a breakdown of how your storage is being used across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. This will give you a good idea of where you might be able to clean up files if you don’t want to purchase more storage.
Step 2: Clean Up Your Storage
Delete any files or emails you no longer need to free up space.
Before buying more storage, it’s a good idea to go through your files and emails to see if there’s anything you can delete. This can be a quick and free way to increase your available space.
Step 3: Consider Google’s Storage Plans
Click on "Get More Storage" to view the different storage plans available.
Google offers a variety of storage plans to suit different needs. These range from 100 GB to 30 TB of additional storage. Take a look at the different options and consider which one might be right for you.
Step 4: Purchase Additional Storage
Select the plan you want and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
After selecting a plan, you’ll be taken through the payment process. Google accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards. Once your purchase is complete, your storage limit will be increased immediately.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Google account will have more storage, and you can continue using Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos without worrying about running out of space.
Tips for Managing Your Google Storage
- Regularly review and delete unnecessary files to keep your storage usage in check.
- Use Google’s storage management tool to find and remove large files.
- Remember that emails with large attachments can take up a lot of space, so clean your Gmail regularly.
- Consider using Google Photos’ "High quality" storage option, which offers free, unlimited storage for photos up to 16MP and videos up to 1080p.
- Take advantage of Google’s Shared Drives if you’re working on collaborative projects, as the files stored there won’t count against your personal storage quota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I run out of Google storage?
If you exceed your storage limit, you won’t be able to send or receive emails in Gmail, and you may not be able to upload new files to Drive or photos to Google Photos.
Can I get more Google storage for free?
While Google does offer some ways to earn additional storage for free, such as through promotions, the easiest way to increase your storage is by purchasing a plan.
How much does additional Google storage cost?
The cost of additional storage varies depending on the plan you choose. Prices start at $1.99 per month for 100 GB of extra storage.
Is it safe to purchase Google storage?
Yes, purchasing storage from Google is safe. Google uses industry-standard security measures to protect your payment information.
Can I share my Google storage with family members?
Yes, if you have a Google One plan, you can share your storage with up to five family members.
Summary
- Check your current storage usage.
- Clean up your storage.
- Consider Google’s storage plans.
- Purchase additional storage.
Conclusion
Increasing your Google storage is a quick and straightforward process that can save you a lot of headaches if you’re frequently bumping up against your storage limit. By following the steps above, you can easily manage your storage and ensure that you have enough space for all your important files and memories. Remember to regularly review your usage and clean up unnecessary files to keep your storage under control. And if you need more space, Google’s storage plans are flexible and affordable, making it simple to find a plan that fits your needs. So go ahead, give yourself some breathing room, and increase your Google storage today!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.