Google tests reducing free storage to 5GB for new accounts without phone verification

At a glance:

• New Google accounts in select regions may now receive only 5GB of free storage instead of the standard 15GB.
• Users can unlock the full 15GB allotment by linking and verifying a phone number during setup.
• Google describes the move as a regional test to improve account security and prevent duplicate storage claims.

A shift in the free storage baseline

For years, the 15GB free storage tier has been a cornerstone of the Google ecosystem, shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. However, recent reports and user sightings on Reddit indicate that Google is altering this deal for a subset of new users. Instead of the generous 15GB, some are finding their accounts capped at a mere 5GB upon creation.

This reduction appears to be tied directly to identity verification. Google is now prompting new users to link and verify a phone number to access the full storage quota. According to screenshots shared by users, the company justifies this requirement by stating the need to ensure that "storage is added only once per person," effectively curbing the creation of multiple burner accounts to hoard free cloud space.

Evidence of a broader policy change

While the Reddit reports provided the first spark, archival data suggests this isn't an isolated glitch. The Wayback Machine reveals that Google updated the language on its official support pages between February 4 and March 23. The phrasing shifted from a definitive promise of "15 GB" to a more cautious "up to 15 GB," providing the company with the legal and operational flexibility to throttle storage based on user criteria.

Industry analysts suggest that while Google frames this as a security measure, it likely stems from the mounting costs of maintaining global cloud infrastructure. With the integration of resource-heavy AI features across its suite, the "storage crunch" is becoming a tangible financial pressure, making the 15GB free tier an expensive legacy commitment for the tech giant.

Google's response and regional limitations

In a statement to Engadget, a Google spokesperson clarified that the change is currently a test limited to select regions. The company asserts that the policy is designed to help them "continue to provide a high quality storage service" while simultaneously encouraging users to adopt better account security and data recovery practices through phone linking.

This regional approach explains the inconsistency reported by users; many are still able to secure the full 15GB without a phone number depending on their location. However, for those in the test group, the 5GB limit is a hard ceiling unless verification is completed. This creates a tiered entry system where privacy-conscious users who avoid linking phone numbers are penalized with significantly less storage.

Impact on the average user

For the majority of consumers, this change may feel redundant. In most standard sign-up flows, Google already requires a phone number for verification to prevent bot registration. The impact is primarily felt by those using specific workarounds or edge-case hardware. For instance, 9to5Google noted that users signing up via Android devices without a SIM card are among the few who can typically bypass the phone requirement.

If this test proves successful and is rolled out globally, it could signal the end of the "anonymous" high-capacity free account. Users would be forced to choose between their data privacy (by not providing a phone number) and their storage capacity, further pushing the user base toward paid Google One subscriptions to maintain a seamless experience across their devices.