Student Account Storage

Starting October 1st, PUSD is setting new storage limits for all student Google accounts to keep our systems running smoothly:

• Elementary School: 5GB limit

• Middle & High School: 10GB limit

• Current Temporary Limit: 20GB (for all students until September 30th)

What happens if I go over my limit?

• Right now: If your account is over 20GB, you cannot save or create new files in Google Drive or Canvas.

• After September 30th: If you exceed your school's limit (5GB or 10GB), your account will be locked from saving, editing, or creating new files or receiving large email attachments. You can still view existing files.

How do I check my storage?

Look at the bottom-left corner of your Google Drive. If you are over the limit, you will see a red warning bar, and Drive may not work properly.

Step 1: Save Personal Files (Google Takeout)

Before deleting anything, move personal files or photos you want to keep to a personal Google account or a flash drive.

1. Use Google Takeout: We enabled this tool so you can download or transfer your files easily.

2. Follow the guide: Watch the video HERE.

3. Do NOT select "Save to Drive": This keeps files in your PUSD account and won't save space.

Plan Ahead! Downloading files can take anywhere from an hour to several days. Start early—ITS cannot unlock your account after September 30th to download files.

Step 2: Find & Delete Large Files in Google Drive

Videos and large presentations take up the most room. You can sort your files by size to delete the largest ones first:

1. Go to drive.google.com and sign in.

2. Click Storage on the left-hand menu.

3. Your files will automatically be sorted with the largest files at the top.

4. Select the files you no longer need and click the Trash icon.

5. Empty your Trash: Click Trash on the left menu and select Empty trash at the top right.

Step 3: Clear Space in Google Photos

Important First Steps for Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app on your phone and turn off "Sync" so deleting files online won't erase them from your phone.

2. Back up any photos you want to keep before deleting them.

How to Delete Photos Fast:

1. Go to photos.google.com and log in.

2. Click the white checkmark on the first photo you want to delete.

3. Scroll down, hold the Shift key, and click the checkmark on the last photo. This selects everything in between. (Tip: Select groups of 500–1,000 photos at a time so your browser doesn't slow down).

4. Click the Trash icon at the top right.

5. Empty the Trash: Click Trash on the left menu and click Empty Trash. Your storage limit will not update until the trash is emptied!

For questions or assistance with the transfer process, please email edtech@pusd.us.