Google One is a paid subscription that gives you extra cloud storage and other Google services
Google One is a monthly or yearly subscription that expands your Google account's storage and adds features like VPN protection, phone backup, and expert support. It replaces the older Google Play Pass and Google Drive storage plans. You get cloud storage for Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos all counted together under one limit — not separate limits for each service.
The subscription comes in three tiers: 100 GB, 2 TB, and 10 TB. Each tier costs more and includes additional benefits beyond just storage. You can cancel at any time, and your files stay in your account for 30 days after cancellation before Google deletes them.
Key Takeaways
- Google One combines storage for Gmail, Drive, and Photos into one pool, so a full inbox counts against the same limit as large video files.
- The 100 GB plan costs less than the 2 TB plan but includes the same core features — VPN, phone backup, and support — just with less storage.
- You can share your subscription with up to five family members through Google Family Link, and each person gets their own separate storage pool.
- If you cancel, your files remain accessible for 30 days; after that, Google permanently deletes them.
Storage tiers and what each one includes
Google One offers three storage levels. The 100 GB tier is the entry point and costs less per month. The 2 TB tier is the most common choice for households and includes additional perks like expert support and VPN access. The 10 TB tier is for people or small businesses that store large amounts of video, photos, or documents.
All three tiers include the same core features: cloud backup for your phone, VPN protection when you use public Wi-Fi, and access to Google experts who can help with account issues. The difference is storage space and, at higher tiers, additional benefits like extra phone support priority.
| Tier | Storage | Monthly Cost (Approximate) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 GB | 100 GB total | $1.99 | VPN, phone backup, expert support |
| 2 TB | 2,000 GB total | $9.99 | VPN, phone backup, expert support, family sharing |
| 10 TB | 10,000 GB total | $99.99 | All features, priority support |
Prices vary by country and may change. Google often offers discounts for annual payment instead of monthly billing.
How family sharing works
If you have a 2 TB or 10 TB plan, you can invite up to five family members to share your subscription through Google Family Link. Each person gets their own separate storage pool — if you have 2 TB, each of the six people in your family group gets 2 TB, not a shared 2 TB split six ways.
Family members can see that they are part of a family group, but they cannot see each other's files or storage usage. The person who pays for the subscription is the family manager and can remove members or change settings. If the manager cancels the subscription, all family members lose access to Google One benefits immediately.
What counts toward your storage limit
Gmail messages, attachments, Google Drive files, and Google Photos all count toward your Google One storage limit. A single large video file in Drive, thousands of email attachments, or years of photo backups all pull from the same pool. This is different from the old system where Drive and Gmail had separate limits.
Some files do not count: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files stored in Drive use no storage space. Photos and videos backed up at "Storage Saver" quality in Google Photos also do not count — only full-quality originals do. Trash and spam folders count toward your limit until you permanently delete them.
VPN and phone backup features
Google One includes a VPN (virtual private network) that encrypts your internet traffic when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks. The VPN is built into your Google account and works on Android phones and tablets. On other devices, you download the Google One app to turn the VPN on or off. The VPN does not hide your identity from websites you visit — it only protects your data from being intercepted on the network itself.
Phone backup automatically saves your contacts, calendar events, photos, and app data to your Google account. On Android, this happens in the background if you turn it on in Settings. If you get a new phone, you sign in with the same Google account and your data restores automatically. Backup does not include apps themselves — you download those again from the Play Store.
How to cancel and what happens to your files
You can cancel Google One at any time through your Google Account settings or the Google One app. Cancellation takes effect immediately, and you stop being charged at the next billing date. Your files do not disappear right away — Google keeps them for 30 days after cancellation.
After 30 days, Google permanently deletes any files that exceeded your free storage limit. Free Google accounts come with 15 GB of storage. If you had 2 TB and used 1.5 TB, canceling means you keep 15 GB and lose the rest after the grace period. Download or move important files before canceling if you are using more than 15 GB.
Comparing Google One to other cloud storage options
Google One competes with Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, and Dropbox. OneDrive offers similar storage tiers and family sharing but integrates with Microsoft Office instead of Google Workspace. iCloud is tightly integrated with Apple devices but costs more for equivalent storage. Dropbox focuses on file syncing and collaboration rather than email and photo backup.
The main advantage of Google One is that it covers all your Google services in one subscription and includes VPN and phone backup. The main drawback is that it combines storage across services, so a full inbox can prevent you from backing up photos. If you use mostly Google services and want simplicity, Google One makes sense. If you need more control over where files live or prefer a different ecosystem, another option might fit better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google One on multiple devices?
Yes. Your Google One subscription is tied to your Google account, so you can use it on any phone, tablet, or computer where you sign in. The storage limit applies across all devices — if you use 1 TB on your phone, you have 1 TB left on your computer.
What happens if I go over my storage limit?
You cannot upload new files or receive new emails once you hit your limit. Google sends warnings as you approach it. You must delete files or buy more storage to continue. Existing files stay in your account; you just cannot add more.
Does Google One include Microsoft Office or other apps?
No. Google One gives you storage and VPN, but not subscriptions to other services. You get access to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for free, which are Google's alternatives to Microsoft Office.
Can I downgrade from 2 TB to 100 GB?
Yes, but only if you are using less than 100 GB of storage. Google does not let you downgrade if your files exceed the lower tier's limit. You must delete files first or wait until your usage drops below the new limit.
Is the Google One VPN safe to use?
The VPN encrypts traffic between your device and Google's servers, protecting you on public Wi-Fi. Google does not log your browsing activity. However, websites still see your real IP address, so the VPN does not hide your identity from them — it only protects data in transit.