Random Tech Tip for no reason!
Note that this is for GOOGLE PHOTOS STORAGE…. no need to read if you're not using GOOGLE PHOTOS!
OK: there IS a reason for this post.
They pissed me off by deliberately switching settings during app updates. More than once even after I manually reverted. And then, for the longest time, there was no option to reduce storage on stuff that had already uploaded—other than by subscribing for extra storage, of course. And then they did their best to bury the management options, as you will see. Not even available to manage directly within google photos on the phone any more. So yeah. KITTEN THEM!
PROCEDURE TO REDUCE GOOGLE PHOTOS STORAGE at a partial quality cost.
Note that this level of compression is what used to be standard back in the day when google photos was offering unlimited storage "forever".
Yes, there DOES exist SOME quality cost especially if you were to blow up a picture to print it out, or tried to zoom to a detail. But most "reduced quality" pictures I've ever dealt with (that were originally adequate) have been FINE for my needs at this reduced quality.
This is best done on the WEB version; i.e. probably on a desktop computer.
- Login to the specific google account you're fixing.
- Navigate to: photos.google.com
- Click on the settings wheel / cog at the top right hand corner
- Look for "backup quality for photos & videos" and select the option of: STORAGE SAVER
NOPE: You're NOT DONE yet!
- Click on "Manage Storage" below it.
- Scroll down (yes down down down) to "convert existing photos & videos to Storage saver"
- Click on "learn more".
- Read the blurb.
- Select that you understand IF YOU DO understand.
- Now you can click on "compress existing photos & videos"
Of course they make it "as easy as possible" to NOT pick the new default of "original"! Sure they do! And the app doesn't frequently switch back to "original quality" during updates in spite of you having already selected "reduced". Of course it doesn't.
You are just imagining the malicious compliance on their part. Just innocent little interface tweaks... nothing to see here!
*kittens*
Replies
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“They pissed me off by deliberately switching settings during app updates. More than once even after I manually reverted.”
I don’t use Google photo storage. But I too am pissed off when updates change my settings! Every time something disappears, appears, hides, won’t work without wasting time trying to get back to what I need.
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