Google Photos for Android may soon bring a new feature that will solve a long-standing problem for many users – lack of storage space, according to a report. Currently, the app allows users to store photos in original quality or in ‘storage saver’ quality that compresses photos and videos to create more space. However, this can only be done for files that were being added to Google Photos after the configuration was changed. Now the Android app is reportedly bringing a feature that will allow users to compress existing files as well.

According to one Reports Via PiunikaWeb (via tipster AssembleDebug), Google Photos 6.78 comes with a ‘Recover Storage’ option that was found hidden in strings of codes. The tipster was able to manually enable the feature and it showed a new settings option that allows users to compress photos and videos already on the app’s cloud storage. This is a notable feature as earlier users could only do this through the web version of the platform.

Based on feature screenshots, appears in order. Manage storage. Menu option. is placed under the feature. Recover the storage. Appears with header and title. Convert photos to storage saver.. A brief description below describes, “Recover some storage by changing the current original quality to storage saver quality”.

This opens another page where the app explains that compressing files on Google Photos doesn’t affect items stored or added elsewhere on Google, such as Gmail or Drive. Separate strings attached to the feature warn that eligible photos and videos will be permanently backed up at a reduced size, and reportedly cannot be undone. Further, depending on the number of files and their size, the compression process may take a few days.

Although it is not currently available to users, if it is rolled out in the future, users can go for it. Image settings > Backup > Manage storage. > Convert photos to storage saver.. The feature was found in the Google Photos for Android app, but may also be available in the iOS app.