AI Assist Now, my mum has 12GB on 15GB of Google backup occupied. What would you suggest?

Now, my mum has got 12GB on 15GB of Google backup, occupied. What would you suggest?
What to check first

Google’s free 15 GB is shared between:

  • Google Photos
  • Gmail, including attachments and Spam/Trash
  • Google Drive
  • Android device backups

Open the official storage manager while signed in to her Google account:

Sign in - Google Accounts

Review which category is using the most space before deleting anything.

Safe ways to reduce usage

  • In Google Photos, remove unwanted large videos and duplicate photos. Check the Trash afterward, since deleted items may continue using storage until permanently removed.
  • In Gmail, search for large messages using larger:10M or has:attachment. Delete only messages that are no longer needed, then empty Gmail’s Trash and Spam folders.
  • In Google Drive, sort files by storage used and remove unnecessary large files. Also check “Shared with me”; those files normally use the owner’s storage, not hers.
  • Check Android backups. An old backup from a phone she no longer uses can usually be deleted, but do not remove the backup for her current phone unless she understands that it may affect restoration after a reset or phone replacement.

Google Photos may also offer Recover storage, which can convert existing photos and videos to “Storage saver” quality. Review the explanation carefully first, because this changes the stored copies and may reduce quality.

If she still needs the space

The simplest option may be a Google One storage plan, but it is better to identify the cause first. If Photos is responsible, improving photo-storage settings and removing unwanted videos may avoid a subscription.

Do not use random “cleaner” applications or delete files in bulk without checking them. The safest approach is to use Google’s storage manager, remove only unnecessary data, and keep an independent copy of important photos before making major changes.
 
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Google One standard 100 Gb
Google One Standard 100 GB

The 100 GB Google One plan would increase the account’s total storage from 15 GB to 100 GB, leaving approximately 88 GB available if she currently uses 12 GB.

It is a reasonable option if:

  • She wants to keep her existing photos, Gmail, Drive files, and phone backups.
  • She does not want to spend time deleting or reorganising data.
  • She expects her storage needs to grow over time.

Keep in mind:

  • Google One is a recurring subscription, so check the renewal price and payment method.
  • It provides additional Google storage, but it is not an independent backup of the data.
  • The storage is shared across Google Photos, Gmail, Drive, and device backups.
  • The exact price and available features can vary by country, so verify them on the official Google One page before subscribing.

Official page:

Plans & Pricing to Upgrade Your Cloud Storage - Google One

For only 12 GB of usage, 100 GB should provide comfortable room for normal growth. She should still review the storage manager occasionally and keep another copy of especially important photos or documents.
 
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It can be possibile to replace Google backup with another sorage provider?
Yes, but it depends on what “Google backup” means. A third-party provider can replace some parts, but usually not the complete Android backup system.

Google Photos

Photos and videos can be backed up to another service, such as:

  • Microsoft OneDrive
  • Dropbox
  • Amazon Photos
  • A reputable NAS or home-server solution

Install the provider’s official app, enable its camera-upload feature, and verify that the files are accessible from another device before disabling Google Photos backup. Do not delete the Google Photos copies until the alternative backup has completed successfully.

Android device backup

Android’s built-in backup normally uses the Google account. It may include items such as selected app data, device settings, contacts, SMS messages, and call history, depending on the phone and Android version. There is generally no single third-party service that fully replaces this backup in the same integrated way.

Possible alternatives include:

  • Samsung Smart Switch for transferring or backing up compatible Samsung devices to a computer or another phone.
  • Manufacturer-specific backup tools, if supported by the phone.
  • Manual export of contacts, photos, documents, and other important files.
  • A computer backup or a reputable cloud service for selected files.

These alternatives may not restore every app, setting, message, or account automatically after a factory reset.

WhatsApp and other apps

Some apps have their own backup systems. WhatsApp on Android commonly uses Google Drive for cloud backups, although the available options can depend on the app version, phone, and region. Moving photos to another provider does not necessarily move WhatsApp’s backup.

Recommended approach

If the goal is simply to reduce Google storage usage, the least disruptive method is to move photo and file backups to another provider, verify them, and then disable unnecessary Google Photos or Drive backups. Keep Google’s Android device backup enabled if an easy phone restoration is important.

Before deleting anything from Google, confirm that the alternative service contains the files and that they can be opened or restored. A 100 GB Google One plan is the simplest option for preserving Google’s integrated backup features, while another provider can work well for photos and documents.
 
It can be possibile to replace Google backup with another storage provider?
To put it simply, no. Google services are intertwined, so while using an alternative is technically possible, it is challenging. Honestly $2 per month is worth an upgrade.
I pay for Microsoft 365 Basic $20 per year, because it is more convenient, I could easily use free services instead, but the price of one pizza is not worth the hassle.
 
To put it simply, no. Google services are intertwined, so while using an alternative is technically possible, it is challenging. Honestly $2 per month is worth an upgrade.
I pay for Microsoft 365 Basic $20 per year, because it is more convenient, I could easily use free services instead, but the price of one pizza is not worth the hassle.
The main point is correct: an alternative provider can replace photo and document storage, but it generally cannot fully replace Google’s integrated Android device backup.

Microsoft 365 Basic is a practical option if she already uses OneDrive, but it will not automatically back up all Google/Android data such as app data, device settings, or every type of phone backup. Those parts may still depend on Google.

Practical choices

  • Use Google One 100 GB for the simplest, most integrated solution.
  • Use OneDrive or another provider for photos and documents, while retaining Google’s Android backup.
  • Move selected data elsewhere, verify the backup, and then remove unnecessary Google copies to reduce storage usage.

The exact Google One and Microsoft prices depend on the country, billing method, and current offers, so the subscription page should be checked before purchasing. The cost comparison is reasonable, but convenience and restoration capability are more important than storage price alone.
 
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To put it simply, no. Google services are intertwined, so while using an alternative is technically possible, it is challenging. Honestly $2 per month is worth an upgrade.
I pay for Microsoft 365 Basic $20 per year, because it is more convenient, I could easily use free services instead, but the price of one pizza is not worth the hassle.
so, did you replace google backup with microsoft one?
 
so, did you replace google backup with microsoft?
Not necessarily.

That post only says the member pays for Microsoft 365 Basic because it is convenient; it does not confirm that they replaced Google’s Android backup with Microsoft.

Microsoft OneDrive can replace some storage functions, especially:

  • Photos and videos through camera upload
  • Documents and other files

However, it generally does not replace Google’s complete Android backup, including compatible app data, device settings, SMS data, and the normal Google restoration process. Some phone manufacturers provide additional backup tools, but their coverage varies.

Therefore, the safest interpretation is that Microsoft 365 may be used for files and photos, while Google backup remains enabled for the phone itself. You would need to ask that member directly to know their exact setup.
 
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Pay for a premium subscription. It's $1.99 and worth it.
That is a reasonable recommendation.

If she wants to keep Google Photos, Gmail, Drive, and Android backup working together, paying for Google One 100 GB is probably the simplest option. At 12 GB used, it would leave roughly 88 GB available.

The exact price may vary by country, taxes, billing cycle, or current promotion, so verify the amount shown in her Google account before subscribing. It is also worth checking the storage breakdown first, in case old backups, large videos, or Gmail attachments can be safely removed.

Google One plans
 
Now, my mum has got 12GB on 15GB of Google backup, occupied. What would you suggest?
One of the options is to get the lifetime 100gb Koofr plan. Koofr allows you to connect Google Drive and you can move your files from GD to Koofr in less than 2mins.

In my opinion this is a viable solution instead of paying a recurring subscription to Google.

Another solutioj, but it is risky, is to buy Google AI Pro annual plan which gives you 5TB of storage for less than $10.
 
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One of the options is to get the lifetime 100gb Koofr plan. Koofr allows you to connect Google Drive and you can move your files from GD to Koofr in less than 2mins.

In my opinion this is a viable solution instead of paying a recurring subscription to Google.

Another solutioj, but it is risky, is to buy Google AI Pro annual plan which gives you 5TB of storage for less than $10.
Koofr may help with files, but it is not a complete replacement for Google storage.

If Koofr currently offers a legitimate lifetime 100 GB plan, it could be useful for storing selected Google Drive files. However:

  • Connecting Koofr to Google Drive does not automatically replace Google Photos storage or Android device backups.
  • Files must be copied or moved successfully and verified before deleting the Google Drive originals.
  • “Lifetime” means the lifetime of the product or service under its terms; it should not be treated as an unconditional permanent guarantee.
  • Check the current price, limits, export options, encryption features, and the provider’s terms directly before purchasing.

The Google AI Pro suggestion needs particular caution. Storage allowances, annual pricing, promotions, eligibility, and regional availability can change. A price of less than $10 for a full year and 5 TB should not be presented as a general current offer without checking the official Google page. It may be a limited promotion, a different plan, or an inaccurate claim.

Practical conclusion

For a parent who wants the least complicated solution, Google One 100 GB remains the safest and simplest choice because it preserves Google’s integrated Photos, Drive, Gmail, and Android-backup features. Koofr can be considered for file storage, but it should be treated as an additional storage provider rather than a full replacement for Google backup.

Google One plans
 
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