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Productivity · Tip

Unlimited Free Google Photos Backup via 1st-Gen Pixel

Back up photos to Google Photos for free via original Pixel hardware

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

This workaround routes media files through an original 2016 Google Pixel phone using local FTP to claim Google's lifetime unlimited original-quality photo backup offer. Files copied to the device's storage are automatically detected by Google Photos and uploaded without counting toward your Google account storage limit. It eliminates the need for a recurring cloud storage subscription by using inexpensive second-hand hardware as a home upload server.

How it works

  1. Buy a used 1st-generation Google Pixel or Pixel XL (released in 2016; available cheaply on second-hand markets).
  2. Factory reset the device to free up storage and log into your primary Google account.
  3. Open Google Photos on the Pixel and confirm backup is active (1st-gen Pixels automatically receive free unlimited backup in original quality without counting against Google Drive quota).
  4. Install a file manager with built-in FTP server functionality (such as File Manager+ / Файловый менеджер+) on the Pixel.
  5. In the file manager app, start the FTP network service ('Доступ из сети') to get the local IP address and port (e.g., ftp://192.168.1.x:8848).
  6. On your computer, open an FTP client (such as FileZilla) or file explorer, enter the Pixel's IP address, port, and credentials.
  7. Copy photos and videos from your PC directly to the Pixel's internal storage (e.g., into the DCIM/Camera directory).
  8. The Google Photos app on the Pixel will detect the new files and automatically back them up to your cloud library for free.

What it's for

  • Back up large photo libraries without paying for recurring Google One subscriptions
  • Upload original-quality digital camera footage to Google Photos for free
  • Set up a dedicated home sync hub for smartphone and PC photo archives

Key points

  • Factory reset an original 2016 Google Pixel or Pixel XL and sign in with your primary Google account
  • Verify that unlimited original-quality backup is active in the Google Photos app
  • Install a file manager with local FTP server support (such as File Manager +) on the Pixel
  • Start the FTP network access service on the phone over your local Wi-Fi network
  • Connect from a PC using FileZilla or local file explorer using the device's IP and port
  • Transfer photos and videos into the phone's DCIM folder to trigger automatic cloud backup

Pricing

Free cloud storage; requires buying a used 2016 Google Pixel phone

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Productivity
Topic
Cloud Storage
Open source
No
Platforms
Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
For
Photographers and everyday users looking to avoid ongoing cloud storage fees
Alternative to
Google One, iCloud+, Dropbox, Amazon Photos
Tags
google photos, cloud storage, backup, google pixel, ftp, filezilla

Why it was saved

  • @ov.miro, 16 November 2025: Saves on recurring Google One cloud storage subscriptions by leveraging Google's permanent lifetime unlimited photo backup promise for 1st-generation Pixel phones.

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Updated