Google Photos is reported to offer a new feature called 'Recover Storage' that will fix the problem of storage for Android users. According to PiunikaWeb (via tipster AssembleDebug), the new function will be available in the upcoming Google Photos 6.78 version. When enabled manually, it will let users reduce the size of existing images and videos stored in the app's cloud storage. It is important to note that this type of compression was only available for Google Photos for the web. The app currently allows users to save photographs in either original quality or 'storage saver' format. However, this only applies to newly uploaded files.
Based on the screenshot posted by PiunikaWeb (via tipster AssembleDebug), this feature can be seen in the 'Manage Storage' menu, with the 'Recover Storage' heading. It is titled 'Convert images to Storage saver,' and has a brief description that reads: "Recover some storage by switching from existing Original quality to Storage saver quality." According to the report, when users click on the title, another page appears explaining that compressing photos on Google Photos will not affect content added or saved on other Google services, such as Drive or Gmail. The users are further cautioned that the compression process is irreversible and may take a few days, depending on the number and size of files.
Google Photos app to get 'Recover storage' option to quickly free up cloud storage space
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) April 10, 2024
This option is already available on the web version for more than 2 years - https://t.co/SaxeGoGFzM
More - https://t.co/ELoBcIA5ug#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/avw1rrghRh
At this time, users cannot access the new option; however, in the future, they can access it by going to Settings > Backup > Manage storage > Convert photos to Storage saver.
As previously stated, this feature has been available for a while via the photos.google.com Web interface. Although it is currently being tested on the Android app, it may also appear on the iOS version in the future.
