For over a decade, a standard Google account has come with 15GB of free cloud storage that set it apart from rivals like Apple. However, that era of this free storage may be coming to an end. Recent reports citing screenshots on Reddit from new users indicate that Google is testing a policy that slashes the default free storage to 5GB, unless the user agrees to link a phone number to their account.As per a report by 9to5google, the change was first spotted by users on Reddit during the setup process for new Gmail accounts. According to the notifications, Google now offers a choice to either keep 5GB of free storage, or unlock the full 15GB at no cost by adding a phone number.Your account includes 5 GB of storage. Now get even more storage space with your phone number for Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail.Unlock 15 GB storage at no cost by using your phone numberKeep 5 GB storageGoogle will use your phone number to make sure storage is added only once per person.Understand Google Account storage management policy at g.co/help/storagepolicy
Why Google is doing it
Google’s reasoning for the shift appears to be a “one-per-person” rule. By requiring a phone number, the company says it can ensure that the 15GB 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 report added.Using the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, the publication claims to have found that Google updated its official language in March 2026. Previously, the support site stated that every account “comes with 15GB.” Now, the wording has been tweaked to say accounts come with “up to 15GB” of cloud storage at no charge.
What this means for you
If you already have a Google account with 15GB of storage, you likely won’t see a change immediately. However, if you are setting up a new account, you should be prepared to share your phone number if you want the full 15GB for your Photos, Drive and Gmail.
