Free up app storage

Free up Google Photos storage

Google Photos keeps two copies of many shots: the Library in your Google account, and the original files still on this phone. Free up space only removes local copies that are already backed up. It does not empty your Library. Never delete a photo that is not backed up unless you mean to lose the only copy.

See how much space Google Photos is using

iPhone

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Tap Google Photos.

Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps.
2. Tap Google Photos (some phones list it as Photos).
3. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

That number is the app plus cache on this device. Your Google account Library is separate and counts toward Google Account storage (shared with Gmail and Drive).

Confirm backup before you remove anything local

1. Open Google Photos and tap your profile picture.
2. Tap Photos settings > Backup.
3. Confirm Backup is on and signed in to the account you want.
4. Tap Back up device folders and turn on every folder that still holds originals you care about (Camera, Screenshots, Downloads, WhatsApp Images, and similar).

A cloud checkmark on a photo means it is in the Library. No checkmark means this phone may still hold the only copy. Wait until backup finishes before you use Free up space or delete from a device folder.

Free up space (backed-up copies only)

1. Open Google Photos.
2. Tap Library at the bottom.
3. Tap Utilities.
4. Tap Free up space.
5. If Photos shows a size, tap Free up (wording can also be Free up plus the amount).

This deletes local files that are already in your Library. You can still open them in Google Photos while you are signed in and online. They will not appear in the phone Gallery or Files app until you save them again. Photos newer than about 30 days may stay on the device even after this step.

Do not delete unbacked-up device folders

1. Open Library.
2. Open device folders (some versions say On this device or list folders under Library).
3. Check the backup status on each folder before you delete anything inside it.

Deleting from a folder that is not backed up removes the only copy. That is permanent after Trash is emptied. Back the folder up first, or copy the files elsewhere, then delete.

Move items to Trash in the Library

1. In the Photos view, tap and hold a photo or video you do not need in the account.
2. Tap the trash icon / Move to trash.

Move to trash removes the item from your Google Photos Library, not just a cache file. Items stay in Library > Utilities > Trash for 60 days, then they are permanently deleted. Emptying Trash sooner is permanent.

Empty Trash

1. Open Library > Utilities > Trash.
2. Review the list. Restore anything you still want.
3. Tap Empty trash only if you mean to delete those items for good.

Trash still uses Google Account storage until you empty it or the 60 days pass.

Locked Folder and Partner sharing

Locked Folder items are not in your normal backup the same way. Do not clear or reinstall until you have moved anything important out of Locked Folder.

Partner sharing copies are in the Library. Removing a shared item from this phone does not always remove it from the other person.

Clear Google Photos cache on Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps > Google Photos.
2. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.

Cache is thumbnails and temporary files. It is not your Library. Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset the app. That does not delete backed-up Library items, but it does sign you out and forget local settings.

iPhone does not offer a separate Google Photos cache button. Use Free up space inside the app, then offload if iPhone Storage still lists a large Documents and Data number.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and Google Photos still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

1. Confirm Backup is on and Back up device folders includes every folder you care about. Do not reinstall until unbacked-up originals are copied or backed up. Library items in your Google account stay.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install Google Photos again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After Google Photos is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.