Free up space · Google
How to free up space on the Google Pixel 5a
Short answer
To free up space on the Pixel 5a, open Settings > Storage to see what is using it, clear duplicates with Free up space, then empty Google Photos's Trash. A default 12.2 MP photo is about 3.7 MB, so 5,000 photos take roughly 19 GB of the 128 GB base model.
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How much space do Pixel 5a photos take?
Pixel 5a: 12.2 MP main sensor, plus 16 MP ultrawide. 1,000 default Pixel 5a shots take about 3.7 GB.
| File | Typical size | Fits in 10 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Default photo (12.2 MP) | about 3.7 MB | about 2,703 |
| RAW / DNG (12.2 MP) | about 23 MB | about 435 |
| One minute of video at 4K 60fps | about 400 MB | about 25 minutes |
The Pixel 5a has no high-resolution mode beyond 12.2 MP, so photo sizes stay predictable. RAW files from the Pixel 5a 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 5a writes about 400 MB a minute, so a ten-minute clip takes 4.0 GB, the same as 1,081 default photos. Selfies from the 8 MP front camera are about 2.4 MB each.
Which built-in cleaners did the Pixel 5a ship with?
Out of the box on Android 11, the Pixel 5a 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 5a?
Sold only in the US and Japan with 128 GB. It no longer gets software updates.
Where is the storage screen on the Pixel 5a?
The Pixel 5a launched in August 2021 with Android 11 and Android 11. On that software the storage screen is Settings > Storage. Google promises updates ended (no longer supported), so menu names can change after updates.
How much of each Pixel 5a storage option does a big gallery use?
| Storage option | 5,000 default photos | 30 minutes of top-quality video |
|---|---|---|
| 128 GB | 19 GB (14%) | 12 GB (9%) |
On the 128 GB Pixel 5a, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,703 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 58% of it.
Where do deleted photos go on the Pixel 5a?
On the Pixel 5a, Google Photos's Trash holds them for 30 days (Google Photos > Collections > Trash). It launched on Android 11, so it also has Android's system trash.
How does the Pixel 5a compare with other Pixel a phones?
Against the Pixel 4a (August 2020), the Pixel 5a has the same 128 GB starting storage. Against the Pixel 4a (5G) (November 2020), the Pixel 5a has the same 128 GB starting storage. Against the Pixel 6a (July 2022), the Pixel 5a has the same 128 GB starting storage.
| Model | Launched | Storage options | Default photo | microSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 5a | August 2021 | 128 GB | 12.2 MP (~3.7 MB) | No |
| Pixel 4a | August 2020 | 128 GB | 12.2 MP (~3.7 MB) | No |
| Pixel 4a (5G) | November 2020 | 128 GB | 12.2 MP (~3.7 MB) | No |
| Pixel 6a | July 2022 | 128 GB | 12.2 MP (~3.7 MB) | No |
Can you add a memory card to the Pixel 5a?
No, the Pixel 5a has no microSD slot, so its 128 GB is all the space there is.
What will GalleryJury do on the Pixel 5a?
GalleryJury, coming soon for Android 11 and later, will pick the best shot of each burst. At about 3.7 MB a Pixel 5a photo, its $5 pack of 5,000 photos covers roughly 19 GB, after 50 free.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos fit on a 128 GB Pixel 5a?
In theory about 34,595 default photos if nothing else were stored; in practice apps and Android take a large share.
How much storage does the Pixel 5a have?
It was sold with 128 GB and no microSD slot.
Sources
- Google: Learn when you'll get software updates on Google Pixel phones (checked 31 October 2026)
- GSMArena: Google Pixel specs (secondary) (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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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.