Gmail: How to save storage space?

According to Google, each Gmail account includes 15GB of storage space for free. This space is shared between messaging services, Google Drive and Photos services, and can quickly reach saturation. There are several sorting tips to free up space and make sure you don't reach the 15GB limit. This tutorial aims to explore different approaches in this direction.

Preamble: Review the storage space used

Before any processing, it may be interesting to consult the storage space used by different services on Google. The service provider of the same name provides users with an introduction page for this purpose, which is available in the interface Google One.

First method: Delete old messages

Gmail provides many search filters. Thanks to them, it has become possible to sort emails easily. We will see how to view and delete old emails. In the Gmail interface, enter this into the search box:

Older than: 4 years

This command allows you to filter messages received more than four years ago. Alternatively, one can write Older_than:2 years For emails dating back two years.

Then select the emails you want to delete or the box that allows you to select all the messages on the page to move forward faster. Then click on the logo representing the trash can to delete the current selection of emails.

Second method: Delete messages that contain large attachments

Another tip is to delete emails that contain large attachments. To do this, we again use one of the search filters designed by Google. In the Gmail search interface, enter this expression:

Contains: Largest attachment: 10m

This filter only searches for messages that contain an attachment larger than 10 MB. You can change the meaning of attachment size to 5MB, for example. To do this, modify the search: Contains: Largest attachment: 5m.

Method 3: Empty your trash and unwanted emails

Although this procedure is not as effective as the previous two tips, it is recommended to delete unwanted messages frequently, but especially to delete emails in the trash. If your storage increase remains moderate, it will allow you to continue receiving emails even if your storage space is completely full.

Method 4: Increase storage space using Google Formula

In some cases, the storage space provided with the free Gmail plan isn't enough. This condition can occur during frequent use of Google Drive, in conjunction with an Android device for example, since Google Email View storage is shared between several services. Google One plans are offered without obligation starting at €1.99 per month for 100GB of cloud storage.