Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Google appears to be quietly changing one of the most popular perks tied to Gmail and Google accounts by limiting free cloud storage for some new users unless they verify their account with a phone number.
The change was first spotted by Reddit users creating new accounts in select regions, where Google now offers only 5GB of storage by default instead of the usual 15GB. Users can reportedly unlock the full 15GB allocation after linking a phone number to their account, according to Android Authority.
Google confirmed the test in a statement, saying the policy is designed to “help us continue to provide a high quality storage service” while also encouraging stronger account security and easier data recovery. The company has not disclosed which countries are affected, though reports suggest some users in Africa have encountered the restriction.
The shift marks a notable change for Google’s ecosystem, where 15GB of free storage has long been treated as a standard feature attached to every account. That storage pool is shared across services including Gmail, Google Photos, Docs, Sheets, Drive, and device backups, making it a central part of the company’s consumer offering.
Google has also quietly updated the wording on its support pages. Instead of saying all accounts “come with 15 GB” of free storage, the language now says accounts include “up to 15 GB” at no cost. The adjustment may seem minor, but it signals greater flexibility for Google to vary storage allocations by region, account type, or verification status.
The move also comes at a time when cloud infrastructure costs are climbing across the tech industry. Demand for high-capacity storage has surged alongside the rapid expansion of AI services and data centers, increasing pressure on companies managing massive free-tier ecosystems. While Google has not directly linked the change to infrastructure costs, the timing has fueled speculation that free storage programs may become more restrictive industry-wide.
For users, the policy could become another example of major tech platforms tying core features to identity verification systems. Phone number linking helps reduce spam accounts and abuse, but it also raises ongoing concerns around privacy, accessibility, and the growing requirement for personal identifiers to access basic online services.