Google storage limits begin on Sept. 30 – take action now to prepare

    May 9, 2024

    **** Note: This information applies only to those individuals who use EliApps Google for data storage.

    Summary

    • Beginning on November 1, Google will no longer offer free unlimited data storage to higher education institutions. This change will apply to storage in EliApps (Google) Drive, Photos, and shared drives.
    • As a result of this change, on September 30, Yale ITS will implement storage quotas on existing EliApps accounts. While EliApps (Google) Mail will not have a storage quota, stored email counts toward the total quota limits for the other services.
    • Possible actions are required as soon as possible: If you have an EliApps account, email will continue functioning; however, all other Google Workspace functionality (e.g., Photos, Drive, etc.) will lock for individuals exceeding the data quotas. To unlock these functions, individuals will need to reduce their total data storage to meet the quota limitations or pay to increase the quota.

    Details

    Yale ITS is implementing storage quotas to manage our total Google storage usage and stay within Google’s limits. View the Decision Tree form to learn more about our recommended storage options.

    Key dates

    • September 30, 2024—EliApps account quotas begin:
      • Faculty who joined Yale prior to August 15, 2023: 100 GB
      • All others who joined Yale prior to August 15, 2023: 20 GB
      • Anyone who joined Yale on or after August 15, 2023: 5 GB
      • Individuals with EliApps accounts that remain above these storage quotas cannot add new files until their data storage falls below the quota thresholds or they purchase additional storage. EliApps Mail will not be impacted and will remain fully functional.
    • November 1, 2024—stricter limits enforced:
      • Existing EliApps accounts over the quota limit will lose ALL access to Google Drive and Photos; these individuals will need to contact ITS to retrieve their files.
      • EliApps Mail will not be impacted and will remain fully functional.

    Possible actions required

    • To avoid storage fees and disruption to your EliApps account, consider deleting or moving your data to Microsoft 365 (OneDrive/SharePoint) as a primary storage option. This service provides larger storage quotas and is available at no cost to you.
    • Individuals requiring storage capacity for file sizes beyond those that OneDrive or SharePoint supports may consider Dropbox a suitable option for a fee.
    • Visit the ITS Collaboration Counts site to learn how to check your storage limits, understand what actions you need to take, view our timeline, and check the frequently asked questions.

    Thank you for your partnership and for taking proactive measures to find an alternate data storage solution as soon as possible.

    Need help?

    For assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 203-432-9000 or visit our website to view answers to trending questions, search our how-to articles, start a chat, or report a problem.

    Alternatively, you may also contact your local IT support provider.

    CHG0088681