Google’s 15GB Free Gmail Storage Era May Be Coming to an End (Update: Google Issues Statement)
Google Reportedly Testing 5GB Gmail Storage Limit for New Accounts, Users Asked to Add Phone Number for Full 15GB
Google is reportedly testing a major change to its free Gmail storage policy that could affect millions of future users worldwide. According to reports shared online, some users creating new Gmail accounts are now being offered only 5GB of free cloud storage instead of the long-standing 15GB limit that has been standard for years. To unlock the full 15GB of free storage, users are allegedly being asked to add a phone number to their Google account.
The development has sparked widespread discussion among internet users, privacy advocates, and Android communities, with many questioning whether Google is preparing to permanently change its free storage policy or simply running a limited regional experiment.
The issue first gained attention after a Reddit user shared screenshots claiming that their newly created Gmail account came with only 5GB of storage. The screenshots reportedly showed Google offering the option to increase storage to the usual 15GB by verifying the account with a mobile phone number.
Soon after the reports surfaced online, Google confirmed to Android Authority that it is indeed testing this feature. However, the company has not officially announced any global rollout or permanent policy change.
Gmail’s Longstanding 15GB Free Storage Policy
For years, Gmail users have received 15GB of free cloud storage upon creating a Google account. This storage is shared across multiple Google services including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
The free 15GB storage allowance has been one of Google’s biggest advantages in attracting users to its ecosystem. Compared to several competing email services and cloud storage providers, Google’s generous free storage policy has helped Gmail become one of the most widely used email platforms in the world.
Most casual users typically find 15GB sufficient for storing emails, attachments, documents, and photos for several years. However, users who frequently upload high-resolution images, videos, or large files often need additional storage through paid Google One subscriptions.
The reported move to reduce free storage for some new users has therefore raised concerns about whether Google could gradually push more users toward paid plans.
Reddit Screenshot Triggers Online Debate
The controversy began when Reddit user “sungusungu” posted screenshots allegedly showing a newly created Gmail account with only 5GB of storage available.
According to the screenshots, Google informed the user that they could unlock the full 15GB of storage by adding a phone number to the account. The screenshots quickly spread across social media platforms and technology news websites, sparking intense debate.
Many users questioned whether this represented a permanent shift in Google’s strategy or merely a limited experiment being conducted in selected regions.
Some users expressed frustration, arguing that linking storage benefits to phone verification could be another method for Google to collect more personal information from users.
Others defended the possible change, suggesting that mandatory phone verification could help reduce spam accounts, fake registrations, scams, and automated bot activity on Gmail.
The discussions reflect growing public sensitivity around data privacy and how major technology companies handle user information.
Google Confirms the Test
After the screenshots gained attention, Google reportedly confirmed to Android Authority that it is testing this feature with some users.
However, the company did not provide extensive details about the scope of the test, which countries are included, or whether the experiment could become permanent in the future.
Google also did not announce any changes on its official support pages. At present, the company’s documentation still states that every Google account receives 15GB of free storage.
Because of this, many experts believe the company may simply be conducting an A/B test — a common practice in the tech industry where companies test different features or policies on smaller groups of users before deciding on broader implementation.
An A/B test allows companies to study user reactions, behavior changes, and system impacts without making immediate global changes.
Why Google Might Be Testing This Change
Technology analysts believe there could be several reasons behind Google’s reported experiment.
1. Fighting Spam and Fake Accounts
One of the most widely discussed explanations is spam prevention.
Over the years, fake Gmail accounts have been widely used for spam emails, phishing campaigns, scams, fake reviews, and bot activity. Requiring phone verification before unlocking full storage could discourage mass account creation by automated systems.
Phone verification is often considered an effective way to reduce fake accounts because it creates an additional barrier for malicious users.
Many online services including social media platforms already use similar methods to verify user authenticity.
2. Encouraging Account Security
Another possible reason is improved account security.
Google has consistently encouraged users to add phone numbers to their accounts for password recovery, two-factor authentication, and identity verification.
Users who link phone numbers generally have a better chance of recovering hacked or forgotten accounts.
The storage incentive may therefore be designed to motivate more users to complete account security measures voluntarily.
3. Collecting More User Data
Critics, however, argue that the move could also help Google gather more personal data.
Phone numbers can provide additional information about users and strengthen advertising profiles. Privacy-conscious users often avoid linking phone numbers to online accounts for this reason.
Some Reddit users criticized the reported change, claiming it could pressure users into sharing personal information in exchange for services that were previously available without additional requirements.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns surrounding digital privacy and big tech data collection practices.
4. Reducing Storage Costs
Another possibility is cost management.
Cloud storage infrastructure requires enormous investments in data centers, servers, electricity, and maintenance. As billions of users store increasing amounts of data online, the cost of offering free storage continues to rise.
Reducing free storage for unverified accounts could help Google lower operational costs while encouraging more users to subscribe to paid storage plans.
However, Google has not publicly stated that cost reduction is part of the experiment.
User Reactions Remain Mixed
The online response to the reported Gmail storage test has been sharply divided.
Some users said they have no problem adding a phone number if it provides access to the full 15GB of storage. Others noted that they had already linked their phone numbers years ago for account security purposes.
However, many users expressed discomfort about tying storage benefits to phone verification.
Several users argued that privacy should not become a “premium feature” requiring personal data in exchange.
A poll mentioned in reports showed varying opinions:
21% of users said they would willingly add a phone number
10% said 5GB was enough for them
43% said they wanted the full 15GB without giving their number
27% said they had already linked their phone number to Google
The poll results suggest that while many users prioritize convenience, a significant portion still remains cautious about privacy and data sharing.
Existing Accounts Appear Unaffected
At present, the reported changes seem limited to select new Gmail accounts only.
Users with older accounts, including accounts without linked phone numbers, continue to show the standard 15GB free storage allocation.
This suggests that Google is not currently reducing storage for existing users.
Technology experts emphasize that there is no indication of an immediate widespread policy shift affecting current Gmail users.
Nonetheless, the experiment has sparked concern because even temporary tests can sometimes evolve into permanent features later.
Gmail’s Massive Global User Base
Gmail remains one of the largest email services globally, with billions of active users.
Its integration with Android smartphones, Google Drive, YouTube, Google Photos, and workplace tools has made it deeply embedded in everyday digital life.
Because of Gmail’s importance, even small policy changes can generate global attention and strong reactions from users.
Many people use Gmail not only for personal communication but also for banking, government services, job applications, educational access, and business operations.
As a result, any perceived reduction in benefits or privacy protections quickly becomes a major topic of discussion.
Growing Focus on Digital Privacy
The debate surrounding Google’s reported storage test also reflects larger global concerns about digital privacy.
In recent years, users have become increasingly aware of how technology companies collect and use personal information. Data privacy scandals, targeted advertising practices, and security breaches have contributed to greater public scrutiny of tech giants.
Many users today actively seek ways to minimize data sharing online.
Phone numbers are considered especially sensitive because they can be linked to identity verification systems, targeted marketing, and account tracking.
Privacy advocates argue that users should not feel pressured into sharing phone numbers to access basic services.
On the other hand, cybersecurity experts point out that verified phone numbers can improve account safety and help prevent abuse on online platforms.
The issue therefore sits at the intersection of privacy, security, and platform management.
Could This Lead to More Paid Subscriptions?
Some analysts believe the experiment could eventually support Google’s broader push toward paid cloud services.
Google One, the company’s subscription-based storage service, offers expanded storage plans along with additional features and benefits.
As demand for cloud storage continues growing worldwide, companies are increasingly exploring ways to convert free users into paying customers.
Reducing free storage limits — even selectively — could encourage more people to purchase subscriptions over time.
Still, there is currently no official evidence that Google plans to permanently reduce Gmail storage for all users.
No Official Rollout Yet
Despite the growing discussion online, Google has not formally announced any universal policy changes regarding Gmail storage.
Its official support documentation continues to state that every account receives 15GB of free storage shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos.
Experts advise users not to panic or assume that immediate changes are coming for existing accounts.
At this stage, the situation appears limited to a small-scale experiment affecting only some new users.
Whether the company expands the feature, modifies it, or abandons the test entirely remains unknown.
Conclusion
Google’s reported experiment involving 5GB storage limits for new Gmail accounts has ignited a global conversation about privacy, account security, and the future of free online services.
While the company has confirmed testing the feature, there is currently no evidence of a permanent worldwide policy change. Existing Gmail users still appear to retain their standard 15GB of free storage.
The test nevertheless reflects broader trends in the technology industry, where companies increasingly balance user convenience, security measures, operational costs, and data collection strategies.
For users, the debate highlights an important question: how much personal information are people willing to share in exchange for digital services?
As Google continues evaluating the experiment, millions of Gmail users around the world will be watching closely to see whether the era of universally available 15GB free storage eventually changes or remains intact.
