Gmail Free Storage Cut? Google Tests 5GB Limit for New Users Unless You Verify Phone Number

Google is reportedly testing a change that could significantly reduce the default free storage offered to new Gmail users—from 15GB down to just 5GB—unless users verify their account with a phone number.

New storage model under testing

Normally, creating a new Gmail account comes with 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. But, according to a recent test that has been flagged by users on Reddit, some new accounts are now being restricted to 5GB of storage during sign up.

A screenshot uploaded on Reddit (and picked up by tech site Android Authority at PiunikaWeb) revealed a provision for unlocking the full 15GB by the user adding a phone number to his account.

Google confirms limited testing

Google has stated that the new feature is “experimental” and will only be rolled out to “select regions, accounts. The company stated:

We’re rolling out a new storage policy for new accounts that we created in certain regions to help us continue offering a high-quality storage service to our users, and to encourage users to take steps to secure their accounts and improve their data recovery.

Not only does the statement refer to storage management, but also to making the account more secure by facilitating phone number verification.

Mixed reactions from users

The test has sparked debate online. Some Reddit users say that the need to enter a phone number to unlock all storage could be a way to have people verify their identity and to discourage spam or bot accounts. Others have asked for privacy concerns, indicating it may result in additional data collection demands for “free” services.

Limited rollout for now

The transition does not seem to be a worldwide one at this stage. Some current Gmail accounts without a phone number still have the default 15GB storage. Google’s official support pages still list 15GB as the default, meaning it’s still a phase of testing A/B before it becomes a permanent change.

For now, the situation remains under observation, and it is unclear whether Google plans to expand this policy globally or adjust it based on user feedback.