Users of Google Photos on mobile devices may soon be able to significantly cut down on storage usage by utilizing a feature that was previously exclusive to Web browsers and is still in the development stage.

The new function, which isn’t active for now, enables users to free up a large amount of Google One storage space by converting original quality photos into Google’s storage-saving storage saver format, according to serial leaker AssembleDebug. By using less storage, you may be able to avoid paying for an expensive upgrade to a Google One storage plan.

The new feature is scheduled to debut in a new section named “Recover storage” under the “Manage storage” menu. “Convert photos to Storage saver” is a new option that shows up when the feature is enabled.

Though this feature has long been accessible through the Web interface at photos.google.com, it is new to the Android app and is probably going to make an appearance on the iOS version as well.

There’s no assurance that Google will make the functionality available to end consumers, as is always the case with discoveries of this kind. Still, considering that desktop browsers are now able to access the feature, it is quite likely.

Storage Saver Mode: What Is It?

The Storage Saver mode, formerly known as “High Quality” option, applies picture compression and sets a maximum resolution of 16 Megapixels for photos in order to conserve storage. Videos are also subject to further compression and are only allowed to be as high as 1080p.

According to Google, 1080p videos converted to Storage Saver mode should seem “close to the original,” though some details, such closed captions, may be lost. Photos saved in Storage Saver mode should print in “good quality” at up to 24 x 16 inches.

You can switch at any moment between the Original Quality and Storage Saver backup modes; however, this will only impact the storage quality of future image backups. With the help of the new “Recover storage” option, you can recover storage space by recompressing your existing cloud-stored photographs and videos, but the original high-quality versions will be permanently lost.

Make a backup before storing any high-quality images or movies that were captured at a resolution higher than 1080p. If not, you can download each key image separately before starting the storage recovery process. You can download your complete collection with ease if you use Google Takeout.