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Google Photos FAQ

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  • Why is VT eliminating the Google Photos service?

    • As part of the review done with Google Workspace services when Google announced changes to pricing for storage, it was determined that Google Photos was not a core service within VT Google Workspace for Education’s License. Therefore given the new licensing requirements, VT decided to terminate use of the service.

  • How do I access Google Photos?

    • Go to https://photos.google.com from a browser on your computer. This site is much easier to navigate than using an App on your mobile device.

  • How do I check how much data I have in Google Drive and Google Photos?

    • Visit the following webpage https://drive.google.com/u/2/settings/storage

  • Do you mean the files in my Google Drive or in a Google Drive shared with me?

    • No, Google Photos is what is stored in https://photos.google.com There are changes to Google Drive coming as well, but we will cover that at a later date.

  • Do I just have to delete just photos in Google Photos or everything in there?

    • You need to delete anything stored in Google Photos, including videos stored there as well.

  • Can I export what I have stored in Google Photos all at once?

    • Yes, use the Google Takeout service at https://takeout.google.com to have Google pack all your photos into a zip (or multiple zip) file(s). Google will send you a link by email once the files are compressed and you can download the file(s) from there.

    You can also transfer the files to another account by following the instructions on this page: https://4help.vt.edu/sp?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0013364&sys_kb_id=afb6bfcf1bc27550098aea04604bcbea&spa=1

  • Can I delete the photos in large batches rather than one by one?

    • Yes, check out these videos for information on deleting photos in Google Photos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJQUNzSsBGg (just the first 40 seconds is helpful). Please note this video isn't perfect to delete a large photo store such as you may have. If you just wish to delete in large chunks en masse instead of reviewing photos individually first, check out this how to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2LEUX8GzK

  • Once I delete all the files in Google Photos, am I all done?

    • No, please be sure to empty the Trash folder in Google Photos once you have finished deleting files. Also, be sure to disable automatic photo uploads to Google Photos on your mobile device.

  • I am also a student, alumni or retiree, does this apply to me?

    • Yes, this applies to all people using Google Photos at Virginia Tech, regardless of affiliation type.

  • I had a Google Pixel phone and they told me that I could keep however much I wanted in Google Photos for free for life so do I still have to delete what is in Google Photos?

    • Yes, any and all promotions related to free storage of content in Google Photos was limited to free Google accounts not educational accounts such as vt.edu.

  • I have deleted everything in Google Photos but it still shows I am using Google Photos storage, what do I do?

    • Please be sure to empty the Trash folder in Google Photos once you have finished deleting files. Also, be sure to disable automatic photo uploads to Google Photos on your mobile device.