Google Now Requires Phone Number for Full 15GB Free Storage

Key Takeaways

• New Google accounts without phone verification get only 5GB, not 15GB
• Google says the policy prevents abuse from multi-account users avoiding Google One subscriptions
• The change is being tested in select regions, though Google hasn't named which ones

Google's 15GB of free storage has been a reliable perk for over a decade. Create an account, get 15GB shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. No strings attached. That's changing.

Users have noticed that new Google accounts are now capped at 5GB unless they link a phone number. Google quietly updated its storage language in mid-March 2026, according to 9to5Google. The promise of "15GB free" became "up to 15GB."

A Google spokesperson confirmed the change to How-To Geek, calling it a "test" for new accounts in "select regions." The company didn't name those regions.

Why Google Wants Your Phone Number

The official reason: stopping abuse. When you skip the phone link, Google tells you the 15GB limit exists to ensure the storage is added "once per person." In other words, they're targeting users who create multiple free accounts to dodge paying for Google One.

That abuse has become easier to pull off. AI and automation tools make it simple to create and manage dozens of accounts, effectively pooling free storage into one seamless system. Malware operators have exploited this to store code and stolen data without paying as their operations scale.

There's also the cost angle. Google is feeling the same pressure as everyone else from AI infrastructure demands. Memory prices have climbed. Requiring phone verification slows down mass account creation without affecting users who genuinely need the storage.

“The move will help Google continue to provide a high quality storage service to users while spurring them to improve their account security and data recovery.”

— Google spokesperson

The Privacy Tradeoff

Here's where it gets uncomfortable. Millions of users have relied on that 15GB with no personal info required beyond an email. Now you're handing over a phone number for storage that used to be free and anonymous.

Google says the number is only used to limit storage distribution. Privacy advocates aren't so sure. A phone number ties your account to a real identity more firmly than an email address. It's harder to get a burner number than a throwaway email.

Small businesses face a different problem. If you're creating Google Workspace accounts for employees, you might not want to tie each one to a personal phone number. The workaround math changes.

What This Means for Existing Accounts

Current accounts appear unaffected. If you already have 15GB with no phone number attached, Google isn't retroactively cutting your storage. The change targets new account creation.

That said, Google's language leaves room for expansion. "Testing" and "select regions" suggests this could roll out more broadly. If you're planning to create new accounts for any reason, the phone requirement might already apply depending on your location.

The 5GB Reality Check

Five gigabytes isn't nothing. It's roughly 2,500 photos at standard quality, or a few years of light email use. But it's also a third of what Google trained users to expect. And if you're using Drive for documents or Photos for backups, 5GB fills up fast.

The real pressure point is Google Photos. Gmail stays relatively lean if you manage attachments. Drive is easy to audit. But Photos can silently consume gigabytes with every vacation or kid's birthday party.

Alternatives if You Won't Share Your Number

• Accept the 5GB cap and manage storage aggressively
• Use a secondary number (VoIP services vary in acceptance)
• Switch to alternatives like Proton Drive or Mega for privacy-first storage
• Pay for Google One if you need the space without multiple accounts

None of these are as convenient as the old system. That's the point. Google is making free storage harder to game, and privacy-conscious users are caught in the crossfire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this affect existing Google accounts?

No. Current accounts retain their 15GB. The change only applies to new account creation.

Which regions require phone verification for 15GB?

Google hasn't disclosed specific regions. The company calls it a "test" in "select" areas.

Can I use a VoIP number to get 15GB?

It depends. Google blocks some VoIP providers for verification. Success varies by service.

What happens to my data if I hit the 5GB limit?

Google typically stops syncing new data but doesn't delete existing files. You'll need to clear space or upgrade to add more.

Is Google One still unlimited accounts per phone number?

Google One subscriptions work differently. This policy targets free storage abuse, not paid accounts.

Source: How-To Geek