MAPIDoes Google Photos Use Google Account Storage?
Google Photos storage depends partly on when and how the content was backed up. Google preserves an exception for certain Storage saver/Express backups made before June 1, 2021.
Yes. Google Photos can use Google Account storage. Google says Original-quality photos and videos count, and Storage saver or Express backups made after June 1, 2021 count as well.
yes
The answer
Yes. Google says Original-quality photos and videos use Google Account storage. Storage saver and Express backups made after June 1, 2021 also count.
Why
Google's storage rules include an older-content exception: Storage saver or Express photos and videos backed up before June 1, 2021 do not count toward Google Account storage.
When it is usually OK
- Original-quality Google Photos backups count.
- Storage saver or Express backups made after June 1, 2021 count.
When you should not
- Storage saver or Express backups made before June 1, 2021 are listed by Google as not using Google Account storage.
- Do not assume every older Google Photos item will free quota if deleted; whether it counted depends on the storage rule that applied.
Risks and exceptions
- Photos and videos that count use the same Google Account storage shared with Gmail and Drive.
Best practice
Use Google's storage manager to review Photos storage rather than assuming all backed-up photos follow the same rule.
Alternatives
- Review large photos and videos in Google storage management.
- Check backup quality and the relevant backup date when you are trying to understand why Photos is using storage.
Frequently asked questions
Do Original-quality Google Photos backups use storage?
Yes. Google lists Original-quality photos and videos as counting toward Google Account storage.
Does Storage saver use Google storage?
Storage saver backups made after June 1, 2021 count. Google lists qualifying pre-June 1, 2021 Storage saver backups as not counting.
Is Google Photos storage shared with Gmail and Drive?
Yes. They share Google Account storage.
Did all old High quality photos start counting in 2021?
No. Google says High quality, now called Storage saver, backups made before June 1, 2021 remain outside the storage quota unless another rule applies.
Sources
- How your Google storage works — Google Docs Editors HelpOfficial
Written by Mapiance Editorial Team
The Mapiance Editorial Team researches, writes, reviews, and maintains practical guides and explainers for MAPIANCE.
Reviewed by Mapiance Editorial Team
Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Sep 22, 2026 · Verified Sep 18, 2026