Looking for an advanced cloud storage solution to get the most out of all Google services? Google One is the comprehensive solution that goes beyond Google Drive, centralizing space management and offering exclusive benefits for individual users and families. We explain below. What is Google One, how it works, its plans, benefits, and everything you need to know to get the most out of it..
What is Google One and how has it evolved?
Google One is Google's cloud storage subscription service that unifies and expands the available space for your files, images, emails, and backups across all of the company's products: Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. It replaces and improves what was previously known simply as 'Google Drive storage,' adding new features, flexible pricing, and additional benefits for users.
Previously, if you needed more capacity, you managed the expansion directly from Google Drive. With the arrival of Google One, the platform was restructured so that all storage management is done through a centralized experience, where The contracted space is shared among all Google services, also allowing you to enjoy exclusive tools, technical support, family features and much more.
Every Google account comes with 15 GB free to share between Drive, Gmail, and Photos. If you need more, you can upgrade to one of Google One's various plans, which also allow you to share storage and benefits with up to five other family members.
How to log in and activate Google One?
Accessing Google One is simple and accessible to anyone with a Google account. There are several ways to access and manage your subscription:
- From official Google One website, where you can check and modify your plan, view usage statistics, and manage family members.
- Access from Google Drive: In the bottom left corner, you'll find the option 'Request more space,' which will take you directly to the plans available in Google One.
- Google One app: Available for Android and iOS, it allows you to manage your subscriptions, back up your phone, free up space, access benefits, and receive personalized support.
You don't need to register again if you're already a Google user; just sign in and select the plan you want. Plus, You can change your rate or cancel your subscription at any time from the website or app, with the changes applying to the next billing period.
Google One plans and pricing: How much does it cost to upgrade storage?
Google One offers a wide variety of plans So you can choose the one that best suits your personal or family needs. All prices are flexible, and you can opt for monthly or annual payments, with discounts for annual contracts in some cases. Typical plans are:
- 15 GB — Free. Included with all Google accounts.
- 100 GB — Starting at €1,99 per month, ideal for individual users with basic extra storage needs.
- 200 GB — Starting at €2,99 per month, designed for those who store more content in photos, emails, and documents.
- 2 TB — From €9,99 per month, recommended for advanced users or for family sharing.
- 10 TB — From €99,99 per month.
- 20 TB — From €199,99 per month.
- 30 TB — From €299,99 per month.
In some countries, there are also intermediate plans for 5 TB and higher-end options for current customers only. Storage can be shared securely with up to five family members, where each keeps their files private, but takes advantage of the common space.
Which files take up space on Google One and which don't?
One of the key aspects is to know what elements count for your storage in Google One. Below we detail which files and data are taking up space and how to optimize it:
- Most files in Google Drive (PDFs, images, videos, backups, and other documents).
- Gmail messages and attachments, including items in Spam and Trash.
- Backups in original quality to Google Photos. Those made in high quality before a certain date may not take up space.
- WhatsApp backups if you use Google Drive to save your chats, photos, and videos.
- Data from apps connected to Drive can take up space, but you can delete it from Settings.
elements that do not take up space include:
- Files 'Shared with me' and shared drives (space is deducted only from the owner).
- Google Sites and certain Jamboard, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drawings files created before certain dates and not edited afterward.
To free up space, you can empty trash, delete large, unnecessary files, and manage old backups from the Google One app or directly in Drive and Photos.
Exclusive advantages and benefits for Google One users
Beyond storage, Google One provides a set of benefits that differentiate it from other cloud services:
- Professional technical support: Priority and direct access to Google experts to resolve questions and issues regarding any product in the Google ecosystem.
- Premium editing tools in Google Photos: Access to advanced features like Magic Eraser to remove objects and people, Portrait Light, background blur, HDR, and other advanced options available in Google Photos (some exclusive or early access to subscribers).
- Google One VPN: Starting with certain plans, you can secure your connection on Android and iOS devices with a built-in VPN, improving your browsing privacy (although with some limitations compared to other external VPNs).
- Dark Web Monitoring: A security tool that scans the dark web and notifies you if your personal data has been leaked, recommending actions to improve the protection of your accounts.
- Credits and rewards: Get up to 3% or 10% cashback on Google Play Store purchases, exclusive discounts at select hotels, and one-time offers like free devices, premium subscriptions, or Google Play credits.
- Google Workspace Premium: Access to advanced meeting, calendar, and organization features, included in higher plans, designed for more demanding users.
- Compatibility with Nest Aware and Fitbit PremiumIn some countries, depending on your plan, you can access these services linked to smart home and health devices.
- Additional benefits: Occasionally, Google offers extended free trials of other services, one-time discounts, and exclusive surprises for Google One users.
Family Plan: How to share storage and features with your family
One of the distinctive advantages of Google One is the ability to Share your storage and benefits with up to five family membersEach person enjoys privacy in their files, but everyone takes advantage of the space they've purchased and the benefits associated with the plan.
To activate the family function you must create or manage your Google family group (available in all available countries). Once you've added your group to the Google One family section, you'll be able to:
- Invite family members via email.
- Each user can see the available space and the amount used by others, but never the content unless it is explicitly shared.
- Manage who is part of the group at any time from the website or app.
- Take advantage of joint benefits such as credits or premium features.
This option is ideal for families, couples, or groups who want to optimize their monthly spending without sacrificing individual privacy.
Google One App: Backups and Additional Utilities on Mobile
La Google One app It's a key tool for getting the most out of the service from your Android or iPhone smartphone. Among its most notable features:
- Automatic backup of photos, contacts, messages, and other essential data from your phone.
- Managing your Google account storage (Drive, Gmail, and Photos).
- Space-freeing tools and personalized recommendations for large, duplicate, or unused files.
- Direct access to benefits and professional assistance 24/7.
- Monitoring backups, account status, and family usage.
How to change your Google One plan and manage your subscription
Changing your Google One plan is a straightforward and flexible process. If you want to upgrade or downgrade your storage, follow these steps:
- Accede to one.google.com with your Google account.
- Click 'Upgrade Plan' or 'More Storage'.
- Select the new plan you need and confirm the change.
- Follow the instructions to pay by credit card, PayPal, or Google Play balance.
The rate change will be effective immediately or at the start of the next billing cycle. You can also cancel at any time without penalty; your contracted space will remain available until the end of the paid period.
Google One vs. Other Providers and Alternatives
Google One stands out for its integration with the Google ecosystem, storage combination, advanced editing, direct support, and family benefits. However, there are alternatives such as Apple's iCloud, Microsoft's OneDrive, Dropbox, and other cloud services, each with their own pricing models, integrations, and capabilities. Google One is the preferred option for those who intensively use Gmail, Drive, Photos, and other Google apps.
Google One is not just an extension of cloud space, but a Complete platform that protects, optimizes and enhances the use of your entire digital ecosystemAccess all the benefits, protect your memories, and enjoy unique tools for both your professional and personal life, with the trust and security that Google offers.