Updated September 2026: in April 2021 I criticised Google for ending unlimited free photo backup, and said OneDrive now looked the better value. I have rewritten it into a guide to the options for anyone whose Google storage is full, with how to move photos safely.
Unlimited free backup in "high quality" was one of the main reasons many people, iPhone users included, adopted Google Photos. From 1 June 2021, new uploads began counting against each account's free 15 GB. It felt like a broken promise, and I wrote that it made Microsoft's OneDrive look better value. The decision it forced is still one many people face when the storage warning appears.
What are your options when Google storage is full?
- Pay for Google One: the simplest route if you are happy with Google Photos; plans can be shared with family.
- Move to OneDrive: Microsoft 365 plans include 1 TB per person along with Office apps, which suits families who need both.
- Use iCloud Photos: the natural choice for all-Apple households.
- Amazon Photos: Prime members get full-resolution photo storage included, with a smaller allowance for videos.
- Free up space: delete blurry shots, screenshots and large videos with Google's own storage management tool.
How do you move photos out of Google Photos?
Use Google Takeout to export your library. It packages photos and videos into downloadable archives, along with separate files holding dates and other details. Download everything to a computer first, check that it is complete, and only then upload to the new service. Do not delete anything from Google until the new copy is verified.
Which option is best value?
It depends on who shares it and what else you need. For one person who only wants photo backup, a small Google One plan or Amazon Photos with an existing Prime membership is often cheapest. For a family who also uses Word and Excel, a Microsoft 365 family plan spreads the cost across more people. Compare using your current storage use and the number of people, not headline prices alone.
Should you rely on one service?
No. Any single cloud account can be locked, closed or have its terms changed, which is exactly what happened in 2021. Keep a second copy of irreplaceable photos on an external drive or another service, and refresh it once or twice a year.