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Why does a Gmail address report being over quota and then start receiving mail again?

12 Marketer opinions3 Expert opinions3 Technical articles2 Resources

Summary

A Gmail address reports being over quota primarily because its 15 GB of free storage is shared across Google Drive and Google Photos. When this combined storage is full, users can't receive new emails. This issue can arise from large attachments, photos, music files, and other data stored in these services. Syncing processes can also temporarily exceed the quota. Resolutions include clearing out large or unnecessary files, emptying the spam and trash folders, or purchasing additional storage through Google One. Once the storage is reduced below the limit, the Gmail address will start receiving mail again.

Key findings

  • Shared Storage: Gmail's storage is shared with Google Drive and Google Photos.
  • 15 GB Limit: The default free storage limit is 15 GB across all three services.
  • Large Attachments: Large attachments, photos, and music files quickly consume storage space.
  • Syncing Issues: Background syncing of large files can temporarily exceed the quota.
  • Hidden Storage: Spam and trash folders can take up significant storage space if not regularly cleared.
  • Storage Solutions: Clearing storage and purchasing Google One storage are effective solutions.

Key considerations

  • Monitor Storage: Regularly monitor storage usage across Gmail, Drive, and Photos to prevent reaching the limit.
  • Clear Files: Periodically clear out large attachments, unnecessary files, and content from the spam and trash folders.
  • Manage Syncing: Be mindful of syncing large files to Google Drive and manage syncing settings.
  • Device Backups: Consider the impact of Android device backups on Google Drive storage.
  • Paid Storage: Evaluate the need for a Google One subscription if the free storage is consistently insufficient.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

A Gmail address may temporarily report being over quota due to shared storage with Google Drive and Google Photos. Large attachments, synced files, and items in the spam or trash folders can quickly consume storage. Clearing space or purchasing additional storage typically resolves the issue, allowing mail reception to resume.

Key opinions

  • Shared Storage: Gmail's storage is shared with Google Drive and Google Photos, leading to quicker quota depletion.
  • Large Files: Large attachments, music files, and synced files in Google Drive contribute significantly to storage usage.
  • Background Processes: Background syncing of large files can temporarily exceed storage limits.
  • Hidden Storage: Spam and trash folders can contain many large emails, affecting overall storage.
  • Resolution: Clearing space or purchasing additional storage resolves the over-quota issue.

Key considerations

  • Monitor Usage: Regularly monitor storage usage across Gmail, Drive, and Photos.
  • Clear Unnecessary Files: Periodically clear large attachments, spam, and trash folders.
  • Consider Paid Storage: Evaluate the need for additional storage through Google One if usage consistently exceeds the free quota.
  • Sync Management: Manage syncing of large files to Google Drive to avoid temporary over-quota situations.
  • Device Backups: Consider how Android device backups to Google Drive affect overall storage.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora user John Smith explains that Gmail's storage is shared across Google services, including Google Drive and Photos, so it's easy to fill up the quota quickly. After user cleans up the storage, Gmail resumes normal activity.

May 2024 - Quora
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains a similar issue they ran into. They figured out that Android devices store photos in Google Drive, which uses the 15GB allocation. Removing photos clears up space in Gmail.

January 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Gmail/Drive are also used to transfer music files and a company they worked with had that problem a lot due to file sizes when prospects sent them samples of their compositions.

April 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user u/ClearCut explains that the Gmail user's storage quota may have been exceeded temporarily due to background processes like syncing large files. After syncing the files, the mail will resume.

May 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange user Jane Doe mentions that Gmail's storage quota is not just for emails but also for files stored on Google Drive and photos on Google Photos. Deleting some of the large files could resolve the issue.

October 2023 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that Gmail over quota does happen and the space can be shared with other parts of G Suite.

June 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that you can also buy more storage and then open it up to receive again.

May 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Digital Point Forum user Dwight Schrute explains that Gmail may report an account being over quota when the user has many large emails, especially with attachments, in their spam folder. Clearing out the spam folder and trash can will fix the problem, and the mail will resume.

August 2022 - Digital Point Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user u/TechSavvy shares that Gmail's storage is often consumed by large attachments in emails, photos, and files stored in Google Drive. Once the user deletes enough data to fall below the quota, the account will be able to receive emails again.

February 2025 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that they paid for more storage after clearing didn't help.

November 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Black Hat Forum user Michael Scott explains that Gmail could show an account being over quota when the user shares their storage with other Google services like Google Photos. Once photos are cleared or the quota is increased the account will receive mail again.

March 2022 - Black Hat Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Webmaster World Forum user Jim Halpert explains that a Gmail account might report being over quota due to large files being synced to Google Drive. Once the sync is complete or the user removes large files the account will start receiving mail again.

May 2024 - Webmaster World Forum

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Gmail addresses may temporarily report being over quota due to the shared storage system with Google Drive and Google Photos. When a user stores many items in Google Drive, it can cause their Gmail to bounce. Regular purging of unnecessary files is recommended to prevent this issue.

Key opinions

  • Shared Quota: Gmail's storage quota is shared across Google Drive and Google Photos.
  • Google Drive Impact: Storing large files in Google Drive can cause Gmail to bounce due to reaching the shared quota.
  • Temporary Issue: The 'over quota' notification can be temporary, resolving once space is cleared.

Key considerations

  • Regular Purging: Regularly delete unnecessary files from Google Drive and Photos to maintain available storage.
  • Storage Management: Monitor storage usage across all Google services to prevent reaching the quota.
  • Family Awareness: Inform family members (if applicable) about the shared storage system and the importance of managing their files.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that shared storage across Google services can lead to temporary 'over quota' notifications in Gmail. Clearing space in Google Drive or Photos can resolve the issue and allow mail reception to resume.

January 2025 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that Gmail is shared quota so if you’re storing a lot of things in your Google Drive, mail can bounce.

January 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains this happens to their kid often and they have to go in and purge a bunch of stuff.

November 2022 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Gmail reports being over quota due to its shared storage system with Google Drive and Google Photos, typically offering 15 GB of free space. When a user surpasses this storage limit, they cannot send or receive emails, leading to bounce-back messages for senders. Resolving this involves either clearing storage by deleting files and emails or subscribing to a Google One plan for more storage. Once the storage is below the quota, email functionality resumes.

Key findings

  • Shared Storage: Gmail shares storage with Google Drive and Google Photos.
  • Quota Limit: The free storage limit is generally 15 GB.
  • Bounce-Backs: Exceeding the storage limit causes bounce-back messages for senders.
  • Resolution Options: Users can resolve the issue by clearing storage or purchasing a Google One plan.
  • Resumption of Service: Email functionality resumes once the storage is below the quota.

Key considerations

  • Storage Management: Regularly manage storage usage to avoid reaching the quota limit.
  • File Deletion: Periodically delete unnecessary files and emails to free up storage space.
  • Google One Subscription: Consider a Google One subscription if additional storage is consistently needed.
Technical article

Documentation from Mailtrap explains a full Gmail inbox can cause senders to receive bounce-back messages. The over-quota problem occurs if the user has surpassed the storage limit. They might free space or subscribe to a Google One plan for more storage. After freeing up space, mail reception will start again.

October 2022 - Mailtrap
Technical article

Documentation from IONOS explains Gmail quota is often shared with Google Drive and Google Photos. When a Gmail user's account goes over quota, emails sent to the address get bounced back to the sender. In some cases the quota can be cleared by removing files and emails or the user may need to purchase a quota increase. Once the quota is no longer exceeded mail will resume.

June 2022 - IONOS
Technical article

Documentation from Google Support explains that Gmail shares 15 GB of free storage with Google Drive and Google Photos. If a user reaches their storage limit, they may not be able to send or receive emails. Clearing storage or buying more will solve the problem. Mail bounces will occur temporarily during the over quota period.

February 2025 - Google Support

Related resources
2Resources

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