Google may be testing a new storage policy for some Gmail users. Earlier, every new Google account automatically received 15GB of free cloud storage. But now, reports suggest that a few new users are seeing only 5GB storage at the time of account creation.
According to online discussions and shared screenshots, users may need to verify their mobile number before they can unlock the remaining 10GB of storage.
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What Is Changing?
For many years, Google offered 15GB of free storage with every account. This storage is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
Recently, some users noticed a different setup during signup. Instead of getting the full 15GB immediately, certain accounts reportedly start with only 5GB available.
After adding and verifying a phone number, users may receive access to the complete storage limit.
Why Google Might Be Testing This
Google has not officially announced a permanent change for all users. Reports suggest this may currently be a limited test in selected regions.
The company says phone verification can help improve:
- Account security
- Recovery options
- Spam prevention
- Detection of fake or suspicious accounts
Many online platforms already use mobile verification to reduce misuse and automated account creation.
How Limited Storage Can Affect Users
Google storage is shared between several services. This means Gmail emails, Google Drive files, and Photos backups all use the same storage space.
With only 5GB available, users may face issues such as:
- Emails not sending or receiving properly
- Backup failures in Google Photos
- Limited space for documents and files
Some people create multiple Google accounts to manage extra free storage. Earlier, users could do this without adding phone numbers during signup.
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Online Reactions From Users
The update has sparked discussions across online communities, including Reddit and tech forums.
Some users believe the change is mainly focused on reducing spam and fake accounts. Others are concerned about privacy and prefer not to link personal phone numbers to online services.
At the same time, many users said they already use phone verification for account security, so the extra step does not bother them.
Interestingly, not everyone sees the same process. Some users still receive the normal 15GB storage without any additional verification.
Existing Accounts Are Not Affected
Current Google accounts without linked phone numbers still appear to keep their normal 15GB storage limit.
Google’s official support pages also continue to mention 15GB of free storage for standard accounts. Because of this, experts believe the company may simply be running temporary A/B testing in selected markets.
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Final Thoughts
Google seems to be experimenting with a new signup process where some users initially receive only 5GB of storage. The remaining storage may become available after phone verification.
While some users may dislike the extra verification step, Google says the goal is to improve account safety and reduce spam activity across its services.
For now, the change does not appear to apply to all users worldwide.
Abhi Rajput, founder of EarnAbhi.in, is a tech lover with 6+ years of experience in SEO, digital tools, and smartphone troubleshooting. He writes simple, clear, and useful guides to help people solve real tech problems.