Unlimited Storage (Storage Saver Quality) with a Google Pixel 2

LresolS on 27/10/2023 - 09:06
Last edited 27/10/2023 - 10:30 by 1 other user

Apologies if this has already been discussed, but I've just figured this out. (first time posting, so be gentle)

I have been spending a lot on Google One storage, tried out the hack to get 30TB for free, which was reversed. I've now come back to an alternate solution… using my Pixel2.

Back in the day, it was guaranteed that the Pixel 2 would get unlimited storage if you used the "Storage saver quality" for your photos and videos… So, I've been transferring all of my current photos (2 TB) to my Pixel2 and it has been backing them up to my account without impacting my storage quota.

Here's the theory: Purchase a pixel2 for as cheap as possible… this means you get unlimited storage… forever!

I am testing this theory out… bought a pixel2 off ebay for $146.85 with a discount of $22.03, total $124.82.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/166348860222

If this works, it means you get unlimited photo storage forever for $124… not bad, eh?

General Discussion Cloud Storage Google Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 27/10/2023 - 09:38
    +4

    Yeah, it'll work. This is a well known "hack".
    People use Syncthing app to automatically make the transfer happen.

  • dust on 27/10/2023 - 09:39
    +1

    Why are you getting another Pixel 2 when you already have one?

    • resolS on 27/10/2023 - 10:50

      Not sure if it applies across the board, plus I have so much to backup that it's taking a bloody long time!

      • dust on 27/10/2023 - 10:54

        How would having two Pixels help with the upload speed?

        • resolS on 27/10/2023 - 11:00

          Storage… I keep maxing out the storage and having to wait for it to backup before transferring more… but you're right, I don't really need a second phone. I probably should have checked my theory with this group before buying a new phone. :)

          • dust on 27/10/2023 - 11:21

            @resolS: Yeah that makes sense. You'll have to copy, upload, delete and then start over again. But it should work for all Pixel 2s so no need for a new one.

  • 76F on 27/10/2023 - 10:50
    +4

    Flashing a compatible phone with PixelExperience ROM is another option: https://get.pixelexperience.org/

  • banchord on 27/10/2023 - 11:21
    +4

    Thats pretty noob, why didn't you get a pixel 1?

    You would have got unlimited storage in original quality!

    • resolS on 27/10/2023 - 13:17

      I didn't know that… and can't find any working Pixel 1's on ebay :)

  • tomclancy on 27/10/2023 - 11:46
    +2

    I've been tinkering with Android emulation and using Pixelify to get unlimited storage at original quality (i.e. emulating a Pixel 1). Have been able to get it working on my Windows PC which I turn off every night but having a hard time on my TrueNAS box. It's chewing up massive resources.

    Would love to get it running seamless on the TrueNAS if possible.

    • ESEMCE on 27/10/2023 - 12:40

      You're emulating Android to do this?

    • resolS on 27/10/2023 - 13:18

      that sounds awesome, any guides or suggestions on how to get started?

      • tomclancy on 27/10/2023 - 15:02

        See my comment immediately above this. If you're comfortable with docker then there is a number of resources, people getting an android OS in a docker container. Just not working for me, I think most part because my NAS runs TrueNAS Scale which uses kubernetes instead of docker natively, thus the docker environment variables don't match 1:1

        The ultimate goal was was for me to have 4-5 docker containers, each with it's own Pixel 1 being emulated, so that my family can use one each to upload to their own Google Photos account.

        Plus an extra one for my 7-eleven chopper 😜

        I'm kind of now leaning towards either buying a physcial Pixel 1, or cheaper to buy the cheapest possible phone that is compatible with Pixel Experience OS and just install the Pixel Experience OS rom onto it. Voila

  • kongkee on 03/11/2023 - 10:31

    I'm considering buying this for the Google Photos storage. Just a few questions:

    If I plug in an SD card (using USB-C adapter), will it back up the files to Google Photos? Or has to be stored locally?

    Will google eventually get rid of this feature (unlimited high quality upload) from Pixel 2?

  • OfficerBarbrady on 07/11/2023 - 06:33

    I always thought up to and including pixel 5 you can do this. Is that correct?

  • eecchhoo on 27/11/2023 - 11:06

    Got my s5 out using lineage os and now it’s showing unlimited gphotos storage.
    Next step to find best workflow from iPhone to the android phone. I want to transfer my Live Photo’s if possible via my android phone.
    Any advice would be great

  • Unified on 02/09/2024 - 14:03

    I am tryin to get hold of an old Pixel 2 or later to upload 2TB+ videos and photos? Have got few questions as below:

    • Do I need to transfer the photos & videos in the pixel local storage which is very minimal I think the Pixel 2 has max of 64GB usable may be 50Gb?
    • If the above can be avoided, if I connect a storage via Type-C to the pixel and attached that as a storage, would that help with uploading the photos & videos?
    • If I keep the external storage connected for a long period of time, would the phone be able to continue uploading at a Storage Saver option for unlimited time?
    • Can I also upload to two seperate Google accounts at the same time?

    Many thanks

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