Free up space · Google
How to free up space on the Google Pixel 11
Short answer
To free up space on the Pixel 11, open Settings > Storage to see what is using it, clear duplicates with Free up space, then empty Google Photos's Trash. A default 12 MP photo is about 3.6 MB, so 5,000 photos take roughly 18 GB of the 256 GB base model.
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How much space do Pixel 11 photos take?
Pixel 11: 48 MP main sensor, 12 MP by default, plus 13 MP ultrawide, 10.8 MP 5x telephoto. 1,000 default Pixel 11 shots take about 3.6 GB.
| File | Typical size | Fits in 10 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Default photo (12 MP) | about 3.6 MB | about 2,778 |
| RAW / DNG (12 MP) | about 23 MB | about 435 |
| One minute of video at 4K 60fps | about 400 MB | about 25 minutes |
The Pixel 11 has no high-resolution mode beyond 12 MP, so photo sizes stay predictable. RAW files from the Pixel 11 run to about 23 MB each, which is why RAW folders fill a phone faster than anything except video. Recording at 4K 60fps, the Pixel 11 writes about 400 MB a minute, so a ten-minute clip takes 4.0 GB, the same as 1,111 default photos. Selfies from the 10.5 MP front camera are about 3.2 MB each.
Which built-in cleaners did the Pixel 11 ship with?
Out of the box on Android 17, the Pixel 11 has Free up space (Settings > Storage > Free up space), Smart Storage (Settings > Storage > Free up space > Menu > Settings > Smart Storage), Google Photos: Free up space on this device (Google Photos > profile picture > Free up space on this device) and Files by Google cleaning suggestions (Files by Google > Clean). How each works is in the Google guide.
What is specific to the Pixel 11?
First base Pixel with 256 GB as the minimum storage. The 512 GB model uses Zoned UFS.
Where is the storage screen on the Pixel 11?
The Pixel 11 launched in August 2026 with Android 17 and Android 17. On that software the storage screen is Settings > Storage. Google promises 7 years of OS and security updates, so menu names can change after updates.
How much of each Pixel 11 storage option does a big gallery use?
| Storage option | 5,000 default photos | 30 minutes of top-quality video |
|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 18 GB (7%) | 12 GB (5%) |
| 512 GB | 18 GB (4%) | 12 GB (2%) |
On the 256 GB Pixel 11, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,778 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 28% of it. On the 512 GB Pixel 11, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,778 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 14% of it.
Where do deleted photos go on the Pixel 11?
On the Pixel 11, Google Photos's Trash holds them for 30 days (Google Photos > Collections > Trash). It launched on Android 17, so it also has Android's system trash.
How does the Pixel 11 compare with other Pixel phones?
Against the Pixel 10 Pro XL (August 2025), the Pixel 11 has the same 256 GB starting storage and has a 48 MP main sensor where the Pixel 10 Pro XL has 50 MP. Against the Pixel 10 Pro (August 2025), the Pixel 11 starts higher, at 256 GB instead of 128 GB and has a 48 MP main sensor where the Pixel 10 Pro has 50 MP. Against the Pixel 10 (August 2025), the Pixel 11 starts higher, at 256 GB instead of 128 GB.
| Model | Launched | Storage options | Default photo | microSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 | August 2026 | 256 GB, 512 GB | 12 MP (~3.6 MB) | No |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | August 2025 | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 12.5 MP (~3.8 MB) | No |
| Pixel 10 Pro | August 2025 | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 12.5 MP (~3.8 MB) | No |
| Pixel 10 | August 2025 | 128 GB, 256 GB | 12 MP (~3.6 MB) | No |
Can you add a memory card to the Pixel 11?
No, the Pixel 11 has no microSD slot, so its 256 GB and 512 GB is all the space there is.
What will GalleryJury do on the Pixel 11?
GalleryJury, coming soon for Android 11 and later, will pick the best shot of each burst. At about 3.6 MB a Pixel 11 photo, its $5 pack of 5,000 photos covers roughly 18 GB, after 50 free.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos fit on a 512 GB Pixel 11?
In theory about 142,222 default photos if nothing else were stored; in practice apps and Android take a large share.
How much storage does the Pixel 11 have?
It was sold with 256 GB and 512 GB and no microSD slot.
Sources
- Google: Pixel phone hardware tech specs (checked 31 October 2026)
- Google: Learn when you'll get software updates on Google Pixel phones (checked 31 October 2026)
- Google Pixel Help: Free up storage space (checked 31 October 2026)
- Google Photos Help: Delete & restore photos and videos (checked 31 October 2026)
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More in Free up space by phone
GalleryJury is coming soon to Android
It keeps the best shot from every burst and clears the clutter around it. 50 free photos to try, then $5 for 5,000 photos or $15 for 20,000. Pay once, nothing renews. No subscription.