Google May Cut Free Storage From 15GB To 5GB; How To Still Get The Full 15GB Google Storage

A big possible shift to its cloud storage policy, Google may now offer only 5GB of free storage to some newly created accounts unless users verify their account with a phone number.

As per 9to5Google, the company, through account creation tests and Wayback Machine analysis, signals a potentially significant change to how Google manages free cloud storage access in 2026.

The new development may not affect existing Google users, but it could change the onboarding experience for millions of new Gmail and Google Drive users worldwide.

Google's Free Storage Policy Appears To Be Changing

For years, Google accounts have come with 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. However, recent tests suggest that new accounts in some regions may initially receive only 5GB of storage.

The change also appears in Google's official documentation. A support page that earlier said, "Your Google Account comes with 15GB of cloud storage at no charge," has now been updated to say users get "up to 15GB of cloud storage at no charge."

That small wording change could have big implications

According to reports, Wayback Machine archives trace this wording update back to around March 18, 2026, indicating that the rollout may have quietly begun months ago.

How To Still Get The Full 15GB Google Storage

Google is reportedly allowing users to unlock the full 15GB free storage limit by linking a phone number during account setup. The company reportedly makes as a way to ensure the 15GB storage allocation is granted "only once per person." In other words, phone verification may become mandatory for users who want the traditional free storage quota.

This means new users without phone verification may receive only 5GB and users who add a phone number can still access 15GB for free. However it should be noted that existing Google accounts remain unaffected

The move could impact people creating secondary Gmail accounts, anonymous accounts, or accounts for temporary use.

Google Says The Rollout Is Only A "Test"

Google confirmed to Engadget that the reduced storage allocation is currently being tested in "select regions." Reports suggest the policy is most active in African markets such as Kenya and Nigeria.

At the same time, some Reddit users claim they are still receiving 15GB without phone verification, suggesting the rollout is either limited, experimental, or region-specific for now.

That means users in countries like India, the United States, and Europe may not immediately see the change.

The new policy currently applies only to newly created accounts under the ongoing test rollout. Users who already have 15GB free storage are expected to retain it.

As of now, Google has not confirmed whether the 5GB limit will expand globally or become permanent.