Full Breakdown
Google Tests Phone-Linked Free Storage Policy for New Accounts
5/15/2026, 12:04:51 PM
Phone-Number Requirement Limits New Google Accounts to 5 GB Free Storage
Google now caps free cloud storage for newly created accounts at 5 GB unless the user links a phone number, which restores up to 15 GB. The limit spans Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos and appears as a notice during sign-up. Verification is required on most desktop and mobile setups, though creating a new Android device without a SIM card can bypass the step.
Background & Context
For years Google advertised “Your Google Account comes with 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge.” In March 2026 the support text was altered to “up to 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge,” indicating a shift toward conditional allocation. The company cites rising memory-hardware costs as part of the motivation for the test.
Timeline
The revised support wording first appeared on March 18 2026; public reports of the 5 GB limit emerged on May 14 2026, and Google confirmed the test on May 15 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Google says the test aims to sustain a high-quality storage service while encouraging users to improve account security and data recovery. The phone-verification requirement is presented as a safeguard against bots and multiple-account abuse, and the company notes that hardware cost pressures influence the policy.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue the change forces personal phone data sharing for a service that was previously unconditional. Reddit users report a limited rollout in Kenya and Nigeria, raising concerns for those without reliable phone access. Observers also note that the reduction narrows Google’s advantage over competitors offering larger free storage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Google’s support pages do not explicitly require phone verification for all new accounts, creating ambiguity about the policy’s scope. The test is described as applying to “select regions,” yet official documentation does not list the affected countries, and the impact on existing accounts remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now get even more storage space with your phone number for Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail.” — Google account setup notice
- “Update: May 15, 2026 (2:57 AM ET): Google has now confirmed this test in a statement to us while giving more details regarding the feature: We’re testing a new storage policy for new accounts created in select regions that will help us continue to provide a high quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery.” — Google spokesperson (as reported by Android Authority)
- “Google now appears to be cracking down on this practice by reducing the free storage space for new Gmail accounts to 5GB.” — Android Police
- “From the Reddit thread and social media chatter, it appears that Google is currently testing this change on a small scale in African countries like Kenya and Nigeria.” — Android Police (citing Reddit thread)
