TL;DR
Google appears to be restricting free storage for new accounts to 5GB unless users link and verify a phone number. The change is confirmed by user reports and updated support language, but its permanence is unclear.
Google is now offering only 5GB of free storage for new accounts unless users verify their phone number, marking a significant reduction from the previous 15GB standard.
Multiple user reports on Reddit and other platforms indicate that newly created Google accounts are no longer automatically entitled to 15GB of free storage. Instead, unless the user links and verifies a phone number during sign-up, they receive only 5GB of free space. Google attributes this change to ensuring ‘storage is added only once per person,’ but many interpret it as a response to ongoing storage capacity issues.
Additionally, a Google support page was recently updated to state that new accounts can receive ‘up to 15 GB’ of free storage, replacing the previous definitive statement of 15GB. The support page URL is currently broken, and the change was first noted via archived versions between February 4 and March 23, 2024. Some users report still being able to access 15GB without linking a phone, especially on certain devices like Android phones without SIM cards, but this appears to be inconsistent.
Why It Matters
This development could impact millions of new users who rely on free Google storage for email, photos, and documents. It signals a potential shift in Google’s free storage policy, possibly driven by capacity constraints or monetization strategies. For users, it emphasizes the importance of linking a phone number if they wish to retain the full 15GB of free storage, which raises privacy and security considerations.
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Background
Google has historically offered 15GB of free storage for new accounts, shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. The company has periodically adjusted storage policies, especially as user demand for cloud storage has increased. The recent reports emerged from a Reddit thread where users observed the change, and subsequent updates to Google’s support documentation suggest a possible policy shift. It remains unclear whether this is a temporary A/B test or a permanent change.
“Google appears to be altering the deal on free storage for new accounts, now offering only 5GB unless you link a phone number.”
— Reddit user u/sungusungu
“There are indications that Google is limiting free storage to 5GB unless users verify their phone number during sign-up.”
— 9to5Google
“New accounts can receive up to 15 GB of free storage.”
— Google support page (updated language)
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether this change is permanent or part of an A/B testing phase. Some users still report access to 15GB without linking a phone, indicating inconsistency. Google has not officially confirmed the policy shift, and the broken support link complicates verification.
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What’s Next
Google is expected to clarify its storage policy in the coming weeks. Monitoring official announcements and updates to Google’s support documentation will be crucial to confirm whether the 5GB limit for new accounts is permanent or temporary.
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Key Questions
Will existing Google accounts be affected by this change?
No, this change appears to apply only to new accounts created after the update. Existing accounts should retain their current storage allowances.
Can I still get 15GB of free storage without linking a phone number?
Some users report being able to do so, especially on certain devices or under specific conditions, but it is not confirmed whether this will continue or if the policy will be enforced universally.
Why is Google making this change?
Google has not officially explained the reason, but industry analysts suggest it may be related to capacity constraints or a strategic move towards monetization of storage services.
Is linking a phone number mandatory for all new Google accounts now?
It appears to be required for many, but some exceptions exist, such as accounts created on certain Android devices without a SIM card. The exact scope of this requirement remains unclear.
