How to Get More Than 15GB of Space on Google Drive

In today’s digital age, having sufficient storage space for all our files and documents is crucial. Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that offers 15GB of free space to every user. However, this space can quickly fill up if you have a lot of media files or receive large attachments through email. Fortunately, there are several ways to expand your Google Drive storage beyond the initial 15GB limit. In this guide, we will explore different strategies and techniques to help you maximize your storage space on Google Drive.

Google Drive is a versatile cloud storage service provided by Google, offering users a convenient way to store and access their files from anywhere. However, the free storage space provided by Google is limited to 15GB, which includes space used by Google Photos and Gmail. If you find yourself running out of space on your Google Drive, don’t worry! There are several strategies you can employ to expand your storage capacity and keep your files organized.

Change the Quality of Google Photos

One of the primary culprits for consuming your Google Drive storage is Google Photos. By default, Google Photos uploads your photos and videos in their original quality, which can take up a significant amount of space. However, you can change the quality settings to save space without compromising the visual appeal of your photos.

To change the quality of your Google Photos uploads, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Photos app on your device.
2. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Select “Settings” from the menu.
4. Tap on “Backup & Sync” under the Settings menu.
5. In the “Upload Size” section, ensure that “High Quality (free unlimited storage)” is selected.

By selecting the “High Quality” option, your photos and videos will be compressed to save space while still maintaining a satisfactory level of quality. This way, you can store an unlimited number of high-quality photos without eating into your Google Drive storage.

Work with Google File Formats

Another effective way to save space on your Google Drive is by utilizing Google’s native file formats for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides are all designed to take up minimal storage space compared to their Microsoft Office counterparts.

When sending emails or sharing files, consider using Google’s file formats instead of traditional formats like .docx or .xlsx. Additionally, you can convert your existing Word or Excel files to Google Docs or Sheets format to reduce their file size.

Converting a file to a Google format is straightforward:

1. Open the file you want to convert in Google Drive.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Open with” from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose the corresponding Google app (Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides).
4. The file will be converted to the Google format, and a new copy will be created in your Google Drive.

By working with Google file formats, you can significantly reduce the storage space used by your documents and spreadsheets while maintaining full compatibility and functionality.

Get Rid of Excessively Large Files from the Drive

If you’re running out of storage space on your Google Drive, it’s time to declutter and remove any excessively large files that you no longer need. Google provides a convenient way to identify and manage these files.

To find large files on your Google Drive, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/quota.
2. You’ll be presented with a list of all the files stored on your Google Drive, sorted in descending order by size.
3. Review the list and identify any files that are unnecessarily large or no longer needed.
4. Delete these files by right-clicking on them and selecting “Remove” from the options.

Removing large files from your Google Drive will free up substantial storage space, allowing you to store more important files and documents.

Utilize Google Drive Add-Ons and Apps

Google Drive offers a wide range of add-ons and apps that can enhance its functionality and help you optimize your storage space. These add-ons and apps can assist with various tasks, such as compressing files, sorting files by size, and finding duplicate files.

Here are a few recommendations for useful Google Drive add-ons and apps:

• Drive File Stream – This app allows you to access your Google Drive files directly from your computer, saving local storage space.
• Duplicate Cleaner for Drive – This add-on helps you find and remove duplicate files from your Google Drive, freeing up valuable storage space.
• ZIP Extractor – This add-on allows you to compress multiple files into a single ZIP file, reducing their overall size.

By utilizing these add-ons and apps, you can optimize your Google Drive storage and make the most of the available space.

Take Advantage of Google One

If you require more storage space beyond what Google offers for free, you can consider upgrading to Google One. Google One is a subscription service that provides additional storage space for Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

Here are some key features and benefits of Google One:

• Additional storage capacity: Google One offers various plans, starting from 100GB up to 30TB, allowing you to choose the amount of storage space that suits your needs.
• Family sharing: With Google One’s Family Plan, you can share your storage space with up to five additional family members, making it a cost-effective solution for multiple users.
• Expert support: Subscribers to Google One can access 24/7 support from Google experts to help with any storage-related issues.
• Additional perks: Google One subscribers also enjoy additional benefits, such as discounts on hotel bookings and Google Store purchases.

To subscribe to Google One, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to https://one.google.com.
2. Click on “Get Started” or “Upgrade” to view the available plans.
3. Select the plan that best suits your needs and follow the prompts to complete the subscription process.

Google One provides a convenient and flexible solution for expanding your storage space, giving you peace of mind knowing that your files are securely stored in the cloud.

Purchase Additional Storage

If you require even more storage space than what is offered by Google One, you have the option to purchase additional storage directly from Google. This is ideal for users who have extensive storage needs or run businesses that rely heavily on cloud storage.

Google offers different storage plans with varying capacities and prices. To purchase additional storage, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to https://one.google.com.
2. Click on “Get Started” or “Upgrade” to view the available plans.
3. Select the plan that meets your storage requirements and budget.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the purchase process.

With Google’s paid storage plans, you can expand your storage capacity beyond the limits of the free offerings, ensuring that you have ample space for all your files and documents.

Conclusion

Expanding your Google Drive storage beyond the initial 15GB limit is essential for those who require more space for their files and documents. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, including changing the quality of Google Photos, working with Google file formats, deleting excessively large files, utilizing Google Drive add-ons and apps, and considering subscription services like Google One, you can maximize your storage space and ensure that your files are securely stored in the cloud.

Remember, optimizing your storage space on Google Drive not only allows you to store more files but also improves your overall productivity by keeping your digital life organized and easily accessible. So, take control of your Google Drive storage and unlock its full potential today!