Google is limiting free storage for new accounts to five GB [1] by default in some regions.
This change alters the long-standing entry point for the company's ecosystem, potentially creating a barrier for users who prioritize privacy or lack consistent phone access.
Under the new system, users who create an account in affected areas start with five GB [1] of space. To access the full 15 GB [2] of free storage, the company now requires users to complete an additional security step via phone number verification [3].
Google has not specified which regions are currently seeing this change. The move appears to be a strategy to add an extra security layer before granting the higher storage tier [4]. By requiring a verified phone number, the company can better mitigate the creation of bulk automated accounts, a common issue for cloud service providers.
For those who do not complete the verification, the five GB [1] limit applies across the account's services. This storage is shared between Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. Users who exceed this limit may find themselves unable to send or receive emails or upload new files to the cloud.
Existing accounts are not reportedly affected by this specific verification requirement for their current storage tiers. However, the shift marks a departure from the frictionless sign-up process that previously granted 15 GB [2] to all new users regardless of their verification status.
“Google is limiting free storage for new accounts to 5 GB by default in some regions.”
This shift suggests Google is prioritizing bot prevention and identity verification over user growth friction. By tying storage capacity to a phone number, Google creates a stronger link between a digital identity and a physical device, which reduces the viability of disposable accounts while nudging users toward a more verified state of existence within the Google ecosystem.
