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Google Drive Storage Duration: How long does Google Drive store data? Google Drive is a familiar file storage location for many, allowing the storage of various formats from images, videos to doc files. However, not everyone knows that they operate like physical hard drives on computers, all limited to 15GB of storage. If you frequently store, 15GB quickly evaporates, making it difficult to upload files. To continue storing data, you can purchase additional storage or use the Google Drive storage expansion method below.
How to Delete Files in Google Drive on iPhone, Android, and Computer
Freeing up Google Drive Storage
1. Increasing Google Drive Memory by Deleting Files
Step 1: To access files, you can go to the link HERE.
Step 2: Select one or more files you want to delete (Arrow 1). Then, click on the trash can icon (Arrow 2) as shown below.
Note: To select multiple files, click on one file. Then, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the files you want to delete.
Step 3: Now, proceed to delete the selected files. To permanently remove them, simply click on 'Trash' (the trash bin icon) located on the left side of the screen.
Step 4: Similar to step 2, select the file you wish to delete permanently by clicking on it.
Step 5: Look at the top right corner, and click on the trash can icon.
Then, click on 'Delete forever' to permanently erase the file.
In the bottom left corner, it proudly displays 'x items deleted forever', indicating your successful permanent deletion.
Note: If you accidentally delete a file, fret not. Simply click on 'Trash' (Arrow 1) -> Right-click on the file you wish to restore (Arrow 2) -> Select 'Restore' (Arrow 3).
Voila! You've successfully restored your deleted file.
2. Increasing Google Drive storage by removing attached files in Gmail
Step 1: Open your Gmail. Then, in the Gmail search bar, input the following: 'has:attachment larger:10M'.
Note: 10M represents the attachment size in Gmail. You can adjust this number as needed.
Step 2: Check the small square box next to the email you want to delete (Arrow 1), then click the trash icon (Arrow 2) (Similar to files, you can select multiple emails to delete at once, saving time).
Step 3: To delete permanently, hover to the left, scroll, find and click 'More'.
Step 4: Keep scrolling, find and click 'Trash' as shown below.
Step 5: Check the Email box you wish to delete (Arrow 1). Then, click 'Delete forever' (Arrow 2).
A permanent deletion notification appears.
3. Increasing Google Drive storage by freeing up space in Google Photos
3.1. Deleting photos
Step 1: Access Google Photos HERE
Step 2: Check the small circle in the top left corner of the photo you want to delete (Arrow 1) (you can select one or multiple photos as desired). Then, click the trash can icon (Arrow 2).
Step 3: Click 'I understand' to confirm.
Step 4: Click 'Move to trash'.
Step 5: If you want to permanently delete or restore deleted photos, click 'Trash' on the left side of the interface.
Step 6: Check the small circle in the top left corner of the photo you want to delete (Arrow 1). Then, click 'Delete forever' (Arrow 2).
Click 'Delete' to confirm.
To restore photos, similarly check the small circle in the top left corner of the photo you want to restore (Arrow 1), then click 'Restore' (Arrow 2).
Then, click 'Restore' to confirm.
3.2. Adjusting photo resolution
Step 1: Open Google Photos HERE.
Step 2: Look at the top right corner, click the gear icon.
Step 3: The settings interface opens, check the box 'Save storage space'.
At this point, your settings are saved.
After implementing the method to free up Google Drive storage, you can easily upload files, efficiently store photos, documents, and more. Additionally, when encountering a situation where downloading a file on Google Drive is restricted within 24 hours, refer to the solution for downloading files from Google Drive beyond the limit below.
- Read more: How to download files from Google Drive beyond the limit
