Google Photos is testing a new “Restore Storage” feature for Android users – what is it?

A potential update to the Google Photos app for Android could address users’ long-standing concerns about storage space. Currently, users can choose to store images in original quality or compressed Storage Saver format, creating more space. However, this selection only applies to newly added files.

New Google Photos features

According to reports, PiunikaWeb and intelligence expert AssembleDebug revealed that the upcoming Google Photos 6.78 version contains a hidden feature called “Restore Storage”. Once manually enabled, this feature will provide a new option that allows users to compress existing photos and videos stored in the app’s cloud storage. This represents a significant development, as before, this type of compression can only be performed through the web version of Google Photos.

A screenshot of the feature is described in the “Manage Storage” menu, categorized under the “Restore Storage” heading. The option reads “Convert Photos to Storage Saver” and is accompanied by a short description explaining its purpose: Free up storage space by switching existing raw-quality files to a Storage Saver format. Additionally, the app clarifies that compressing files in Google Photos will not affect items stored or added elsewhere in the Google ecosystem, such as Gmail or Drive. However, users are advised that this compression process is irreversible and may take several days depending on the number and size of files.

How will Google implement this new feature?

Although the feature is currently unavailable to users, if implemented in a future update, users may be able to access it via the Photo Settings > Backup > Manage Storage > Convert Photos to Storage Saver path. While the feature is found in the Android version of Google Photos, it could conceivably be incorporated into the iOS app as well.

Overall, this potential update is expected to address a common concern among Google Photos users, potentially simplifying the user experience by providing a way to reclaim storage space by compressing existing files.