Google just confirmed that the 15GB free Gmail storage will end in May 2026. New customers without verified phone numbers will only be able to use 5GB of free storage, according to a new policy that the firm is testing out. Nevertheless, users may regain access to all fifteen gigabytes of storage space by adding a phone number. Google has verified this development in a statement sent to Android Authority.
When you sign up for a Gmail account, you usually get 15GB of free cloud storage – plenty for most people if you use it wisely. But there are claims that Google is experimenting with a new policy that will significantly cut the free storage limit to 5GB.
Gmail is apparently changing the storage policy for new accounts, giving users just 5GB of free storage unless they provide a phone number when they sign up. You may also add a phone number to verify your account and get the normal 15GB of storage. Google has acknowledged the change, and some users can literally see it in the process of creating an account. A number of users have discussed and reported the new restriction on forums such as Reddit and X.com.
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Gmail’s New Storage Tiers
5GB Free: You get this amount if you don’t verify your phone number during setup (in regions or on devices where skipping is still possible).
15GB Free: You unlock the entire 15GB when you add and verify a phone number.
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There are several reasons why Google requires a phone number. First, it aims to prevent misuse by limiting the setting up of temporary accounts or automated bot accounts, which are typically used for spam. Secondly, it’s intended to prevent people from going around storage restrictions, which would let people establish several accounts to receive free cloud storage instead of paying a Google One membership. Lastly, the policy is designed to boost security by encouraging users to have a solid recovery process for their accounts. Some critics see the change as a way to gather more data.
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Google also changed their support language for storage offerings from “comes with 15GB” to “up to 15GB” in response to a move to a tiered storage strategy. If you already have the 15GB of free storage, you will not be affected by the change, and it will only affect new sign-ups. The roll-out has started globally, although certain first rollouts are being witnessed in certain regions, including sections of Africa and India, as part of an A/B testing plan. It’s an interesting move since the 15GB of free storage was a big competitive edge for Google, particularly when compared to Apple’s 5GB iCloud cap.
