Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage, but it fills up fast.
Deleting large or duplicate files can free up space quickly.
Google One storage manager makes cleanup simple.
Google Drive offers 15GB of free online storage, but this space is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. As a result, storage can fill up quicker than expected. To avoid storage issues, regular clean-ups are essential. Here are some helpful tips to free up space on Google Drive.
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As a first step, one should check their storage. Google shows a storage breakdown at the bottom left of the Drive page. Alternatively, you can visit Google One Storage Manager for a detailed view. It shows how much space is used by Drive, Gmail, and Photos. This helps identify what needs to be deleted, which can free up space in Google Drive.
One should sort their files by size. This shows all files over 10MB. One should look for videos, PDFs, and presentations that they don’t need. These large files are often the fastest way to free up space. According to Google, files over 100MB are responsible for most of the used space for average users.
Deleting files is not enough because they remain in the Trash for 30 days even after being deleted. Until then, they will still occupy space. Go to the Trash folder and click 'Empty Trash' to permanently remove them.
Files that others share with someone can also consume their space. While these files don’t use one’s storage unless one saves a copy, they can still clutter their Drive.
Check the 'Backups' section in Drive. This may include old phone backups or data from unused apps. These often go unnoticed. Once a user deletes Google Drive files, it can quickly clear a few hundred MBs.
Photos and videos backed up in 'Original Quality' take up a lot of space. Enable the 'Storage Saver' mode in Google Photos to conserve storage space. This compresses files without major quality loss. Also, delete blurry or duplicate photos to free up more space.
Emails also use storage, especially those with large attachments. Delete old emails and empty the trash folder in Gmail as well. A 2023 study by Statista reveals that over 45% of users exceed their 15GB limit due to unmonitored Gmail data usage.
Google One features a storage manager that highlights large files, spam emails, and other data that can be safely removed to help one manage their Google storage effectively. It also gives a complete overview of one’s storage. This tool makes it easier to find and delete unnecessary files.
If all else fails, consider buying extra storage. Google One plans start at ₹130 per month in India for 100GB. For heavy users, it may be a practical solution.
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Managing cloud space doesn’t have to be stressful. A few simple steps can help keep Google Drive clean and efficient. One should check their storage regularly, delete unnecessary items, and utilise built-in tools to maintain control. With regular Google Cloud cleanup, users can enjoy a faster and more organised cloud experience.