If your phone’s storage is constantly on the brink of full, Google Photos has just rolled out a smart new feature that could save you from upgrading your storage plan. The update targets one of the biggest culprits behind clogged photo libraries — near-identical shots that pile up over time.
A cleaner photo library with “photo stacks”
Google Photos already offers a range of tools to help you organise your library, but the latest addition, called photo stacking, takes tidying to the next level. The feature automatically groups similar photos together, letting you avoid endless scrolling through near-duplicates of the same scene.
Whether it’s a burst of shots from a birthday party or dozens of attempts to get your pet to look at the camera, these stacks condense everything neatly. Tapping on a stack opens an option to automatically select the best image and, if you choose, delete the rest in one go.
It’s reminiscent of the Top Shot feature on Google Pixel devices — which captures a short video to pick the perfect frame — but this new tool isn’t locked to Pixel phones. Instead, it’s rolling out more widely to Google Photos users.
How to check if you have it
To see if the feature is live on your account, open Google Photos and go to Settings > Preferences. If you spot an option to “Group similar photos,” toggle it on to start decluttering your library.
This could be a game-changer for anyone with kids, pets, or a habit of taking ten versions of every shot. By clearing out duplicates, you can free up significant storage space — potentially avoiding the need for a pricier storage tier.
A helpful tool with one catch
While the feature is incredibly handy, it still leaves one challenge: deciding whether you’re ready to delete the extras. For sentimental photographers, letting go of nearly identical snaps can be surprisingly hard.
Google is expected to continue rolling out photo stacking in the coming weeks. If you’re someone whose gallery is bursting at the seams, this small but clever update might just be the easiest way to reclaim your storage without losing the moments that matter.
