5 August 2025, 07:42 PM
If you are also worrying with the query why Gmail storage showing full even after deleting emails? Gmail shows “Storage full” even after deleting emails, you're not alone. Many users face this issue and wonder why space isn't immediately freed up. Gmail doesn’t work like a standalone inbox—it shares space with other Google services like Drive and Photos. So, even if you clear your inbox, other hidden data could still be consuming your storage.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the reasons and a trusted solution using the Advik Gmail Backup Tool.
1. Shared Storage Between Gmail, Google Drive, and Photos
Your Gmail account uses the same 15 GB of free storage that is shared between Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. So, if you’ve deleted emails but your Drive is filled with large files (like PDFs, videos, or backups), your storage will still show as full.
Solution:
Go to Google One Storage and check what's using your space. If Drive or Photos are the main culprits, delete unnecessary files or switch backup settings in Google Photos to “Storage saver.”
2. Trash and Spam Still Hold Deleted Emails
When you delete emails from your inbox, they go to the Trash folder, where they remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Similarly, spam emails accumulate and consume space.
Solution:
3. Large Attachments in Sent or Hidden Folders
Even if your inbox looks clean, large file attachments in Sent, All Mail, or custom folders may be taking up space. Emails with attachments can use several MBs each, and they add up quickly.
Solution:
Use Gmail search to find large emails:
Type
larger:10M
in the search bar to find emails bigger than 10 MB. Delete the ones you don’t need, and remember to empty the Trash again afterward.
4. Google Photos Backup in Original Quality
Google Photos offers two settings for backups: Original quality and Storage saver. If set to Original, your photos and videos consume more space.
Solution:
Open Google Photos → Delete unwanted photos or videos
→ Switch to Storage Saver in the settings to reduce space usage.
5. Shared Files in Google Drive
Files shared with you in Google Drive can also consume space, especially large documents or videos.
Solution:
Open Google Drive → Check “Shared with Me” → Remove access to large unnecessary files.
The Best Way to Free Up Space: Advik Gmail Backup Tool
If you’ve tried all the above methods and your storage is still full, it’s time to archive your emails. The Advik Gmail Backup Tool helps you download and save your entire Gmail mailbox to your computer in various formats like PST, MBOX, EML, or PDF. Once backed up, you can delete emails from your Gmail account to free up space—without worrying about losing data.
Key Benefits of Using Advik Gmail Backup Tool:
Conclusion
If your Gmail shows full even after deleting emails, the problem likely lies in Google Drive, Photos, or hidden large emails. Regular cleaning helps, but for long-term storage management, use the Advik Gmail Backup Tool to keep your data safe while freeing up your Gmail storage quickly and securely.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the reasons and a trusted solution using the Advik Gmail Backup Tool.
1. Shared Storage Between Gmail, Google Drive, and Photos
Your Gmail account uses the same 15 GB of free storage that is shared between Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. So, if you’ve deleted emails but your Drive is filled with large files (like PDFs, videos, or backups), your storage will still show as full.
Solution:
Go to Google One Storage and check what's using your space. If Drive or Photos are the main culprits, delete unnecessary files or switch backup settings in Google Photos to “Storage saver.”
2. Trash and Spam Still Hold Deleted Emails
When you delete emails from your inbox, they go to the Trash folder, where they remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Similarly, spam emails accumulate and consume space.
Solution:
- Open Gmail
- Go to Trash → Click “Empty Trash now”
- Go to Spam → Click “Delete all spam messages now”
3. Large Attachments in Sent or Hidden Folders
Even if your inbox looks clean, large file attachments in Sent, All Mail, or custom folders may be taking up space. Emails with attachments can use several MBs each, and they add up quickly.
Solution:
Use Gmail search to find large emails:
Type
larger:10M
in the search bar to find emails bigger than 10 MB. Delete the ones you don’t need, and remember to empty the Trash again afterward.
4. Google Photos Backup in Original Quality
Google Photos offers two settings for backups: Original quality and Storage saver. If set to Original, your photos and videos consume more space.
Solution:
Open Google Photos → Delete unwanted photos or videos
→ Switch to Storage Saver in the settings to reduce space usage.
5. Shared Files in Google Drive
Files shared with you in Google Drive can also consume space, especially large documents or videos.
Solution:
Open Google Drive → Check “Shared with Me” → Remove access to large unnecessary files.
The Best Way to Free Up Space: Advik Gmail Backup Tool
If you’ve tried all the above methods and your storage is still full, it’s time to archive your emails. The Advik Gmail Backup Tool helps you download and save your entire Gmail mailbox to your computer in various formats like PST, MBOX, EML, or PDF. Once backed up, you can delete emails from your Gmail account to free up space—without worrying about losing data.
Key Benefits of Using Advik Gmail Backup Tool:
- Backup Gmail emails with attachments
- Export to multiple formats (PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, etc.)
- Easy-to-use, no technical skills needed
- Maintain folder structure and email integrity
- Supports selective backup
Conclusion
If your Gmail shows full even after deleting emails, the problem likely lies in Google Drive, Photos, or hidden large emails. Regular cleaning helps, but for long-term storage management, use the Advik Gmail Backup Tool to keep your data safe while freeing up your Gmail storage quickly and securely.