Google Photos will no longer give Android users (not Google Pixel) the ability to enjoy unlimited free space to store photos. We gave this news last November and unfortunately there is no way to avoid the problem. The reasons, more or less understandable and shareable, were communicated by the company itself. However, do we know that there is a method to make sure that our Android device (not Pixel) can count on free unlimited space? We warn immediately though: it could be one quite expensive solution.
What does it take to have unlimited space on Google Photos? Simply a Google Pixel device, even old, but that works
The fact of the matter is: to use it unlimited free space on Google Photos you need a Pixel device. So what if we don't have one? Nothing, we have to put our souls in peace. But there is a solution, albeit expensive, that can solve the problem. That's enough buy a Pixel device and use it as a “hard disk” to store photos. Don't worry, we won't have to learn how to use a Google Phone. Let's see how.
1 option
This option is the most complex but also the safest:
- first of all, we disable the Google Photos backup on our current smartphone and activate it on the Pixel (attention, you don't need a new Pixel but an old one is fine too)
- we install any file explorer from the Play Store that allows you to configure an FTP server
- let's create an FTP server on the Pixel. Let's configure it to allow remote access to the Pixel's DCIM folder, but asking for a username and password for security. After finishing the configuration, we activate the FTP server
- let's install the app Folder Sync on the current device e let's use it to access the DCIM folder on the Pixel. To do this, you need to add the Pixel's FTP server to Folder Sync by entering its IP address and username and password
- finally, from Folder Sync we synchronize the DCIM folder of the Pixel (via the FTP server) with the DCIM folder of the other smartphone so that the photos are sent directly to the Pixel. Syncing should be done every now and then, and photos should be removed from the original device once sent
2 option
This way is the simplest, fastest but also the least secure due to the absence of an FTP server and password:
- we install syncthing on the Pixel and on our main device: it is an application that allows you to automatically synchronize photos and videos from one to another device
- we take a picture with the first device and make it come synchronized on the Pixel
With these little tricks you have unlimited free space on Google Photos it's easy. Even if you still need a second device, that is a Google Pixel.
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Through | DroidLife
