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New Delhi: As we all know, for over a decade, Google accounts have come with 15 GB of free cloud storage, which sets it apart from rivals like Apple. However, now this era might be coming to an end. In recent reports, a Reddit user who was a new user on a Google account shared screenshots in which Google is testing a policy that slashes the default free storage to 5 GB, unless the user agrees to link a phone number to their account. This change was first spotted by the user on Reddit during the setup process for the latest Gmail accounts.
Google now offers a choice to either keep 5 GB of free storage or unlock the full 15 GB at no cost by adding a phone number. Google’s reasoning for the shift appears to be a one-per-person rule.
By requiring a phone number, Google stated it can ensure that the 15 GB pool is only granted to unique individuals, likely to prevent bot accounts and spam. While Google hasn’t made a loud public announcement, the fine print on its official support pages has already quietly changed.
The publication claims to have found that Google upgraded its official language in March 2026. The support site stated that every account comes with 15GB. Currently, the wording has been tweaked to say accounts come with up to 15GB of cloud storage at no charge.
If users already have a Google account with 15GB of storage, users are expected to won’t see a change immediately. If users are setting up a new account, users should be prepared to share their phone number if users want the full 15GB for their photos, Drive, and Gmail.
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