Google Cuts Free Storage to 5GB for Some New Accounts in Test Regions
Key Change: New Google accounts created without phone verification in select regions now receive 5 GB of free storage, down from the standard 15 GB.
The New Policy
Google is testing a significant change to its free cloud storage allocation for new accounts. Under the trial, currently active in select regions:
- No phone number: New accounts receive 5 GB of free storage.
- Phone verified: Accounts created with a phone number receive the standard 15 GB.
- Scope: The storage limit applies across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
- Existing users are not affected. Current users retain their 15 GB allocation.
It’s important to note that not all new users are affected. Some accounts in test regions continue to receive the full 15 GB without phone verification.
When Did This Start?
The change was first observed in March 2026. Archives from the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine (dated March 18, 2026) show Google updated its support pages from stating "Your Google Account comes with 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge" to "up to 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge."
A Reddit user reported seeing a prompt to add a phone number to unlock the remaining 10 GB, while an Android Authority journalist noted that in some cases, account creation now requires a phone number from the start.
Why Is Google Doing This?
A Google spokesperson explained the rationale:
"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."
What 5 GB Actually Means
The 5 GB allocation covers the following approximate capacities for common file types:
File Type Estimated Capacity Emails ~58,140 (including attachments at 86 KB avg.) Documents Over 10,000 (text files, spreadsheets, or PDFs under 0.5 MB) Photos 1,250 images (12MP JPEG, 4 MB each) or 415 images (higher res, 12 MB each) Video ~1.1 hours of 1080p video or 15 minutes of 4K30 video Music ~1,000 MP3/AAC songs WhatsApp Backups May exceed 2 GB, especially with videoHow This Compares to the Industry
The 15 GB tier has been the standard for years. Here's how Google's new 5 GB offer stacks up against competitors:
- Apple iCloud: 5 GB free
- Microsoft Outlook.com: 15 GB free
- Proton Mail: 1 GB free
What’s Next?
The trial is ongoing. It remains unclear whether the reduced storage limit will become permanent or be expanded globally. Google has not announced an official timeline for the test's conclusion.