Free up space · Google
How to free up space on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Short answer
To free up space on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, open Settings > Storage to see what is using it, clear duplicates with Free up space, then empty Google Photos's Trash. A default 12.5 MP photo is about 3.8 MB, so 5,000 photos take roughly 19 GB of the 128 GB base model.
Last updated
How much space do Pixel 9 Pro XL photos take?
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 50 MP main sensor, 12.5 MP by default, plus 48 MP ultrawide (Macro Focus), 48 MP 5x telephoto. 1,000 default Pixel 9 Pro XL shots take about 3.8 GB.
| File | Typical size | Fits in 10 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Default photo (12.5 MP) | about 3.8 MB | about 2,632 |
| Full-resolution mode (50 MP) | about 12 MB | about 833 |
| RAW / DNG (12.5 MP) | about 24 MB | about 417 |
| One minute of video at 8K 30fps | about 600 MB | about 17 minutes |
Switching the Pixel 9 Pro XL to its 50 MP mode makes each shot about 12 MB, roughly 3 times a default photo, so 200 of them use 2.4 GB. RAW files from the Pixel 9 Pro XL run to about 24 MB each, which is why RAW folders fill a phone faster than anything except video. Recording at 8K 30fps, the Pixel 9 Pro XL writes about 600 MB a minute, so a ten-minute clip takes 6.0 GB, the same as 1,579 default photos. Selfies from the 42 MP front camera are about 10.1 MB each.
Which built-in cleaners did the Pixel 9 Pro XL ship with?
Out of the box on Android 14, the Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 9 Pro XL?
First Pixel with 8K Video Boost. Video Boost keeps a local copy of the clip and uploads it for cloud processing.
Where is the storage screen on the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL launched in August 2024 with Android 14 and Android 14. 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 9 Pro XL storage option does a big gallery use?
| Storage option | 5,000 default photos | 30 minutes of top-quality video |
|---|---|---|
| 128 GB | 19 GB (15%) | 18 GB (14%) |
| 256 GB | 19 GB (7%) | 18 GB (7%) |
| 512 GB | 19 GB (4%) | 18 GB (4%) |
| 1 TB | 19 GB (2%) | 18 GB (2%) |
On the 128 GB Pixel 9 Pro XL, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,632 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 59% of it. On the 256 GB Pixel 9 Pro XL, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,632 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 30% of it. On the 512 GB Pixel 9 Pro XL, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,632 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 15% of it. On the 1 TB Pixel 9 Pro XL, every 10 GB you free holds about 2,632 more default photos, and a gallery of 20,000 photos would fill 7% of it.
Where do deleted photos go on the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
On the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google Photos's Trash holds them for 30 days (Google Photos > Collections > Trash). It launched on Android 14, so it also has Android's system trash.
How does the Pixel 9 Pro XL compare with other Pixel phones?
Against the Pixel 8 Pro (October 2023), the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the same 128 GB starting storage. Against the Pixel 8 (October 2023), the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the same 128 GB starting storage. Against the Pixel 9 (August 2024), the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the same 128 GB starting storage.
| Model | Launched | Storage options | Default photo | microSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | August 2024 | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 12.5 MP (~3.8 MB) | No |
| Pixel 8 Pro | October 2023 | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 12.5 MP (~3.8 MB) | No |
| Pixel 8 | October 2023 | 128 GB, 256 GB | 12.5 MP (~3.8 MB) | No |
| Pixel 9 | August 2024 | 128 GB, 256 GB | 12.5 MP (~3.8 MB) | No |
Can you add a memory card to the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
No, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has no microSD slot, so its 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB is all the space there is.
What will GalleryJury do on the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
GalleryJury, coming soon for Android 11 and later, will pick the best shot of each burst. At about 3.8 MB a Pixel 9 Pro XL photo, its $5 pack of 5,000 photos covers roughly 19 GB, after 50 free.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos fit on a 1 TB Pixel 9 Pro XL?
In theory about 269,474 default photos if nothing else were stored; in practice apps and Android take a large share.
How much storage does the Pixel 9 Pro XL have?
It was sold with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB 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)
Related
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.