Mangaluru: Google appears to be testing a significant change to its long-standing free cloud storage policy, potentially limiting new users to just 5GB of storage unless they link a phone number during account setup. The move, which has not yet been officially rolled out globally, has raised questions about data privacy, user accessibility, and the future of free cloud services.
Users report reduced storage during account setup
The development first came to light through user reports online, particularly on community platforms such as Reddit. Several users claimed that while creating a new Google account, they were shown a message stating that their account would include only 5GB of storage by default. The prompt further suggested that users could unlock the full 15GB of free storage — historically offered by Google — by linking their phone number to the account.
The message reportedly read: “Your account includes 5 GB of storage. Now get even more storage space with your phone number for Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail.” Users were then given two choices — either to unlock the full 15GB at no cost by adding a phone number or to continue with the limited 5GB storage.
For years, Google has consistently provided 15GB of free cloud storage to all users, shared across its major services including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. This change, if implemented widely, would mark a departure from that policy.
Subtle wording changes in support pages
Alongside these reports, observers have noticed a subtle but important change in Google’s official support documentation. Earlier, the company clearly stated that every Google Account comes with 15GB of free cloud storage. However, the updated wording now reads that users get “up to 15GB” of storage at no charge.
This shift in language suggests that the allocation of free storage may no longer be uniform for all users. Instead, it could vary depending on certain conditions, such as phone number verification or regional testing policies.
Technology publication 9to5Google was among the first to highlight this change, noting that similar wording has appeared across multiple support pages explaining how Google’s storage system works.
Google confirms testing in select regions
While Google has not announced a formal global policy change, the company has acknowledged that it is currently testing a new approach. In a statement to Android Authority, Google said it is experimenting with storage allocation for new accounts in select regions.
According to the statement, the objective is to “continue to provide a high-quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery.” Linking a phone number is seen as one way to enhance account security and ensure better recovery options in case of account loss.
The company also indicated that phone number verification could help prevent misuse of its free storage services by limiting multiple account creations by a single individual.
Phone verification already common in account creation
It is worth noting that phone number verification is already a common requirement in many cases when creating a Google account. Users often need to verify their identity via a one-time password (OTP) sent to their mobile number, particularly when signing up from certain devices or locations.
However, there have traditionally been exceptions. For instance, users setting up a new Android device without a SIM card or creating an account under specific conditions could sometimes bypass phone number entry. The reported changes suggest that even in such scenarios, users might face limitations on storage unless they provide a phone number.
Concerns over privacy and accessibility
The potential shift has sparked concerns among users, especially those wary of sharing personal phone numbers with tech companies. Privacy advocates argue that linking a phone number should remain optional and not be tied to essential features like storage capacity.
Additionally, the change could impact users in regions where access to mobile numbers is limited or where individuals prefer to maintain multiple accounts for personal and professional use without linking them to a single phone number.
On the other hand, some experts believe the move could help reduce spam accounts and misuse of free services, thereby improving overall platform integrity.
No official rollout yet
As of now, the change appears to be part of a limited test rather than a confirmed global rollout. Google has not updated its public-facing policies to clearly state that phone number linking is mandatory for accessing the full 15GB of storage.
Users creating new accounts may experience different storage allocations depending on their region, device, or other factors involved in Google’s testing process.
Conclusion
Google’s reported move to condition full free storage on phone number verification signals a possible shift in how tech companies balance user benefits with security and resource management. While the company frames the change as a step towards better service quality and account protection, it also raises important questions about privacy and equal access.
If implemented widely, the change could redefine expectations around free digital storage and set a precedent for other platforms to follow. For now, users are advised to stay informed and review account setup options carefully when creating new Google accounts.