Free up space on your device

If you get the “Device storage almost full” card, you can use Google Photos to delete backed-up photos to save space on your phone. When you remove copies of your photos and videos on your phone, you can have more storage space for items like apps and music.

Before you get started

Download and install the Google Photos app.

Photos and videos that are fewer than 30 days old may be retained on your device. They’ll still be backed up in your Google Photos library.

Free up space on your Android device

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app Photos.
  2. Sign in to your Google Account. 
  3. Tap Menu Menu and then Free up space
  4. You’ll see how many items will be removed. To delete all the items from your phone, tap Free up.
  5. To see your photos and videos, go to photos.google.com or open the Google Photos app Photos.

What happens when you remove photos and videos from you phone

If you remove copies of photos and videos on your phone, you’ll still be able to:

  • See your photos and videos, including the ones you just removed, in the Google Photos app and photos.google.com.
  • Edit, share, delete, and manage anything in your Google Photos library.

You won't be able to see photos and videos you removed if:

  • You use your mobile device's built-in gallery.
  • You're offline.
  • You're not signed in to the Google Photos app Photos.
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