Google Cuts Free Drive Storage to 5GB for Some New Users

Key Takeaways

• New Google accounts in select regions now receive 5GB of free storage instead of 15GB
• Adding a phone number to your account unlocks the full 15GB allocation
• Existing accounts with 15GB storage are not affected by this change

What Changed

Google has officially confirmed a storage policy change that some users noticed earlier this week. New Google accounts created in select regions now receive just 5GB of free cloud storage. This is down from the 15GB that Google has offered for years.

The catch: users can still get the full 15GB by adding a phone number to their account. Without phone verification, you're stuck at one-third of the previous allocation.

Google's support pages now reflect this change. The wording shifted from stating users "receive 15GB of storage" to "up to 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge." Archived versions of the support page show this language change happened around February or March, suggesting Google had been planning this move for months.

Google's Official Explanation

“We're testing a new storage policy for new accounts created in select regions that will help us continue to provide a high-quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery.”

— Google spokesperson to Android Authority

The statement frames this as both a quality-of-service measure and a security improvement. By tying full storage to phone verification, Google creates a stronger barrier against users who create multiple accounts to get free storage beyond the 15GB limit.

Who This Affects

The change targets a specific scenario. Google already requires phone verification for most new account signups. But there are exceptions. When you set up a new smartphone without a SIM card, for instance, you can create a Google account without providing a phone number.

Under the old policy, these users still got 15GB. Now they get 5GB until they add a phone number.

Existing accounts appear unaffected. If you already have a Google account with 15GB of storage, that allocation should remain intact. However, Google's vague wording leaves some uncertainty about whether this policy could expand in the future.

The Timing Is Interesting

This storage reduction for free accounts comes shortly after Google significantly increased storage for paid users. Earlier this year, Google One subscribers on the premium tier saw their allocation jump from 2TB to 5TB.

That paid plan also includes access to the latest Gemini AI models, Gemini integration in Gmail and Docs, higher usage limits in NotebookLM, and AI video generation through the Veo 3 model.

The contrast is notable. Free users in affected regions get less unless they verify. Paid users get more than double their previous storage plus AI features.

What You Should Do

If you're creating a new Google account and want the full 15GB, add a phone number during signup or immediately after. This unlocks the full free allocation.

If you have privacy concerns about phone verification, you have limited options. You can accept the 5GB limit, use a Google Voice number in some cases, or pay for Google One.

If you already have a Google account with 15GB, no action is needed right now. Your storage remains unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google reducing storage for existing accounts?

No. The 5GB limit applies only to new accounts created in select regions without phone verification. Existing accounts with 15GB are not affected.

How do I get the full 15GB on a new Google account?

Add a phone number to your account during signup or in your account settings. This unlocks the full 15GB allocation.

Which regions are affected by the new storage policy?

Google has not specified which regions are part of this test. The company described it as 'select regions' without providing a list.

Does the 5GB limit affect Google Photos storage?

Yes. The storage allocation is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. A 5GB limit affects all three services.

Can I use a Google Voice number for verification?

In some cases, yes. However, Google's verification systems sometimes reject VoIP numbers. A mobile carrier number is the most reliable option.

Source: mint / Aman Gupta