Google Tests Lower 5GB Free Storage Limit for New Accounts

Google is testing a new storage policy that limits new accounts to five GB ^[1] of free cloud storage.

This change could fundamentally alter how millions of new users interact with the Google ecosystem. By restricting initial storage, the company creates a direct incentive for users to provide personal identification data during the sign-up process.

Under the tested policy, new accounts that do not link a phone number receive a reduced initial allocation of five GB ^[1]. Users who complete the phone verification process can unlock the full 15 GB ^[2] of free storage. This shift is being observed among new accounts worldwide, though some reports indicate the test is currently limited to select regions ^[3].

Google said the change is intended to improve account security and data recovery by encouraging users to link a phone number ^[4]. Linking a mobile device provides a secondary layer of verification, making it easier for users to regain access to locked accounts, and reducing the creation of automated bot accounts.

There are some contradictions regarding the scope of the limit. Some reports state the five GB ^[1] cap applies specifically to accounts that skip phone verification ^[5]. Other reports suggest the reduced storage is being tested more broadly in certain regions for all new accounts regardless of verification status ^[3].

Google said it is testing a new storage policy for new accounts ^[6]. The company has not yet announced if this policy will become a permanent global standard or if the 15 GB ^[2] threshold will remain the baseline for verified users.