TL;DR
Google appears to be restricting free storage for new accounts to 5GB unless users verify their phone number. The change is confirmed through user reports and a recent update to Google’s support page, but its permanence remains uncertain.
Google appears to have reduced the default free storage for new accounts to 5GB unless users link and verify a phone number, a shift from the previous 15GB offering.
Reddit users and tech observers have reported that newly created Google accounts are now limited to 5GB of free storage unless a phone number is linked and verified during sign-up. Google attributes this change to ensuring ‘storage is added only once per person,’ but many see it as a response to storage capacity constraints. A recent update to Google’s support page now states ‘up to 15 GB’ instead of a guaranteed 15GB, with the wording change occurring between early February and late March 2024, according to Wayback Machine archives.
Most new users still encounter the requirement to link a phone number to create an account, a process that was already standard before this change. There are exceptions, such as signing up on Android devices without a SIM card, but overall, the policy appears to be tightening. Google has not officially confirmed whether this is a permanent change or an A/B test, and some users report still receiving 15GB without linking a number, indicating possible variability.
Why It Matters
This change could impact new users who rely on free storage, especially those who do not wish to link their phone number or are concerned about privacy. It also signals a potential shift in Google’s storage policies amid ongoing capacity and monetization pressures. For existing users, the change may not be immediate, but it could influence future account creation and storage management strategies.
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Background
Google has historically offered 15GB of free storage for new accounts, a policy that has remained largely stable. Recent reports, however, suggest a shift toward more restrictive conditions for new sign-ups, possibly driven by increasing storage demands and the need to encourage paid plans. The change was first flagged by Reddit users and highlighted by tech news outlets like 9to5Google, with the support page update providing additional evidence. It is unclear whether Google intends this to be a temporary test or a permanent policy adjustment.
“Google appears to be altering the deal on free storage for new accounts, now offering only 5GB unless you link and verify your phone number.”
— Reddit user u/sungusungu
“There are a few exceptions, including when signing up on an Android device without a SIM card, but overall, linking a phone number seems necessary for the full 15GB.”
— 9to5Google
“The wording changed from ’15 GB’ to ‘up to 15 GB,’ indicating possible flexibility or change in policy.”
— Google support page (updated)
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether the 5GB limit without phone linking is a temporary test, a regional variation, or a permanent policy change. Google has not officially confirmed the change, and user reports vary, with some still able to receive 15GB without linking a phone number.
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What’s Next
Google is expected to clarify its storage policy in the coming weeks. Users and developers will need to monitor official communications and support pages for updates. Further testing and user reports will reveal whether the restriction becomes universal or remains limited to specific regions or account types.
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Key Questions
Will existing Google accounts be affected by this change?
No, this change appears to apply only to newly created accounts. Existing accounts with 15GB of storage are unlikely to be impacted unless Google updates its policies further.
Can I still get 15GB of free storage without linking a phone number?
Some users report still being able to create accounts with 15GB without linking a phone number, but this may vary by region or account type. Google has not officially confirmed this exception.
Is linking a phone number mandatory for all new Google accounts now?
It appears so for most cases, as linking and verifying a phone number has become a standard step during account creation, especially for gaining the full 15GB of free storage.
Why is Google making this change?
Google cites ensuring ‘storage is added only once per person’ as the reason, but analysts suggest it may also be driven by capacity constraints and an effort to promote paid storage plans.
