6 Simple Ways to Increase the Chromebook Storage

Key takeaways:

• Clean up files and manage storage settings 🧹
• Use external devices or cloud storage for more space 💾☁️
• Some methods depend on your Chromebook model

Running out of space on your Chromebook? That low storage warning can get real annoying, especially if you’re trying to download something important or save a big project. I’ve been there. This guide breaks down six easy ways to get more storage on your Chromebook, from cleaning up junk files to using external devices and cloud options. You’ll find something that works for your device, even if you can only use a couple of these tricks.

Check What’s Taking Up Space and Clean Up Unused Files

Let’s start with the basics. Every Chromebook has a storage management tool built right in. Just open your settings, scroll down, and look for storage management. This tool shows you exactly what’s eating up your space—downloads, browsing data, apps, and even that bin (trash) you probably forgot about.

• Go to the launcher, open settings, then find storage management.
• Review what’s taking up space. Clear out downloads, cached files, and browsing history.
• Be careful with cookies—they keep you signed in to sites. I usually skip deleting those.
• Don’t forget to empty your bin (trash) for instant free space. You can also delete downloads on Chromebook and remove images you no longer need.

If you’re not sure which files are safe to delete, check out how to delete folders on Chromebook.

Add a MicroSD Card If Your Chromebook Supports It

Some Chromebooks have a microSD card slot on the side. If you see one, you’re in luck. Just pop in a microSD card, and boom—you get extra storage for photos, videos, and documents.

• Check the side of your Chromebook for a microSD slot.
• Insert a card and it’ll show up in your Files app.
• Move files you don’t need on the main drive to the card.

If you want to know the difference between SD cards and USB flash drives, check SD card vs flash drive.

Use a USB Flash Drive for Extra Space

No microSD slot? No problem. Grab a USB flash drive. Most Chromebooks have at least one USB port—either USB-C or USB-A.

• Plug in a flash drive and open the Files app.
• Drag and drop files to free up space on your main storage.
• You can store big projects, videos, or backups here.

If you’re not sure if your Chromebook has a USB port, see does a Chromebook have a USB port?. For tips on transferring files, check how to transfer big files to USB stick.

Go Bigger With an External SSD

If you need serious storage, an external SSD is the way to go. These drives are faster and can hold a ton of files.

• Connect the SSD using USB-C or USB-A.
• It’ll show up in your Files app just like a flash drive.
• Move large files or even entire folders over.

If you ever need to safely remove your drive, follow how to eject USB drive on Chromebook.

Upgrade the Internal SSD (Advanced and Risky)

Some Chromebooks let you swap out the internal SSD for a bigger one, but this is pretty advanced. You’ll need to open up the device, make sure you get a compatible SSD, and reinstall Chrome OS. If you’re not comfortable with hardware, skip this one or find a pro.

• Only try this if you know what you’re doing or have a tech friend.
• Make sure you back up your files first.
• Not all Chromebooks allow SSD upgrades, so check your model.

If you’re curious about hardware specs, see how to check Chromebook hardware specs.

Move Files to Google Drive or Use Google Photos

Don’t forget about the cloud. Every Google account comes with 15GB of free Google Drive storage. You can move documents, photos, and videos there to clear up local space. Plus, some Chromebooks give you extra storage perks for Google Photos.

• Open the Files app and drag files to Google Drive.
• Use Google Photos for images and videos—it might not count against your main Drive quota.
• Access your files from any device with your Google account.

For more tips, check how to back up Chromebook to Google Drive and how to create a new folder in Google Drive.

Quick Table: Storage Options for Chromebook

Method	Needs Hardware?	Works on All Models?	Storage Size
Clean up files	No	Yes	Varies
microSD card	Yes	No	16GB–512GB+
USB flash drive	Yes	Yes	8GB–256GB+
External SSD	Yes	Yes	128GB–2TB+
Upgrade SSD	Yes	No	128GB–2TB+
Google Drive	No	Yes	15GB+ (cloud)

More Chromebook Tips

• If your device is running slow, see tips for speeding up Chromebook.
• Want to save battery? Check tips to save battery on Chromebook.
• Learn how to change the Chrome default download location to keep your main storage clear.

FAQs

How do I check how much storage is left on my Chromebook?

Open settings, scroll to storage management, and you’ll see a breakdown of used and free space. Or use this guide for step-by-step help.

Can I use both a USB flash drive and a microSD card at the same time?

Yep! If your Chromebook has both ports, you can use them together for even more space.

What’s the best way to free up space fast?

Delete downloads, clear browser cache, and empty the trash. For more, see how to clear cache Chromebook.

Is it safe to delete cookies and browsing data?

Deleting cookies logs you out of websites, so only do it if you’re okay with signing in again. Clearing cache and history is usually fine.

How do I move files to Google Drive from my Chromebook?

Open the Files app, select your files, and drag them into the Google Drive folder. For more details, check copy file Google Drive.

Hope this helps you get your Chromebook storage under control! If you have any other Chromebook questions, drop them in the comments or check out the related guides above. 🚀