Many Gmail users are faced with a common problem: the 15 GB free storage limit offered by Google can be quickly filled. As this space is shared between Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, it is essential to find solutions to release storage without losing important data.
How storage is used
The storage space in Gmail is not only used for email messages. The bulky attachments, Google Photos security copies and Google Drive files also contribute to the consumption of available capacity. For this reason, deleting emails may not be enough to solve the problem.
Alternatives to free space
One of the simplest options to expand Gmail’s storage capacity is to make a Backup of emails for a secondary account. This method allows you to archive old messages, keeping the main account lighter and more organized.
Step by step to duplicate storage
The first step is to transfer emails from the main account to a secondary Gmail account. For this, the user can use Pop3 functionality, which allows importing messages from one account to another.
- Activate pop3 on the main account
- Access Gmail settings and select the “Forwards and Pop/IMAP” tab.
- Activate the option that allows the transfer of emails to another account through the POP3 protocol.
- Create a secondary account
- If you don’t have one yet, create a new Gmail account exclusively to file old emails.
- Import emails to the secondary account
- In the new account, access the settings and choose the “Accounts and Import” tab.
- Select the option “Check emails from other accounts” and add the old account, following the instructions for importing messages.
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Delete Emails from the main account
After confirming that emails have been transferred correctly, you can remove them from the main account, says. To ensure that space is effectively released, be sure to empty the trash and check the spam folder.
Paid options to expand storage
For those who want a definitive solution, Google offers storage plans paid through the Google One. The most basic plan allows to increase the space for 100 GB for 21.99 euros per year.
Other ways to optimize space
In addition to transfer to another account, there are other ways to better manage Gmail storage:
- Eliminate emails with large attachmentsusing Advanced Gmail search to find messages that take up more space.
- Manage files on Google Driveerasing unnecessary files or discharging them to an external disk.
- Using Google Takeout to export data and store it locally.
A simple and effective method
Transfer of emails to a secondary account allows users to maintain access to their messages without compromising the main storage. With some simple settings, you can double the available space without resorting to paid plans.
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