The Files by Google app has a Smart Storage feature that frees up space on your phone by automatically deleting files backed up on Google Photos after a certain period of time. This frees up a lot of storage space on your phone for you to save other content. Here's how to automatically delete backed up photos on Android.
What is Smart Memory feature on Android?
Smart Storage in the Google Files app permanently deletes photos and videos backed up to Google Photos from your phone. When you turn on Smart Storage, it deletes all photos and videos backed up to Google Photos, with the following settings:
- When the file is more than 60 days old since it was backed up
- Or, phone memory is below 25% of total memory capacity.
Once you've deleted the media file, you'll be able to open the image in the Google Photos app or on the web. This feature is currently only available on the latest version of the Files by Google app installed on Pixel phones running Android 11 or later.
How to Automatically Delete Backup Photos on Android
Step 1:
Open the Files app on your phone, then tap the 3-dash icon in the top left corner.

Step 2:
Show new options, we click on Settings to switch to the application settings interface.

Step 3:
Switching to the new interface, you will need to enable the Smart Storage feature below.

That means the Files by Google app will automatically delete backed up media on your phone when photos and videos are at least 60 days old or if your phone's free storage is below 25% of its total capacity.