Google Pixel 2 and 2XL users lose unlimited Photos storage at original quality, 'High Quality' uploads to continue

If you bought a Google Pixel 2 or a Pixel 2 XL and enjoyed the unlimited storage at high-quality service that Google offered without counting towards your Google Drive storage, you need to find an alternative service as soon as possible, or risk having your account storage fill up quickly in the future.

If you’re wondering why this is happening, Google launched the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in 2017, promising unlimited storage at original resolution - but only until January 16, 2021. Any images or videos uploaded via the Google Photos app after this date will be uploaded as compressed ‘high quality’ - maxing out at 16 MP for photos and 1080p for videos.

Also read: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL get their last and final updates

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users that have the setting to upload images and photos at original quality must now head to their Google Photos settings and enable the option for “High Quality”. We’ve listed the steps below for your convenience.

1. Open the Google Photos app and make sure you're signed in.

2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the app.

3. Select "Google Photos Settings" and then tap back-up & sync.

4. Select the ‘High Quality’ option.

Pixel 3 and 3XL users will also be affected by this time-bound offer expiring on January 31 next year while media captured with the Pixel 3a, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G and the Pixel 5 will all allow uploading images at ‘high quality’ - these devices were never offered with an option to store photos at original resolution.

Thankfully, none of Google’s Pixel phones will be affected by the company’s new policy coming June 1, 2021. That’s when every other Android and iOS smartphone will lose the ability to upload images at the compressed ‘high quality’ without counting towards their account’s storage quota.