Google May Limit New Gmail Accounts to 5GB Without Phone Verification

Google is reportedly experimenting with reducing free cloud storage for some newly created Gmail accounts, according to a report highlighted by Neowin. Instead of the long-standing 15GB free allocation shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, some users are reportedly receiving only 5GB initially.

The remaining 10GB reportedly becomes available only after users add a phone number to their Google account. Current reports suggest the change affects only select new account registrations in limited regions. Existing Gmail users still appear to retain the standard 15GB allocation even without linking a phone number.

Google says the experiment focuses on security

Google confirmed the test and described it as a limited experiment designed to improve account security and recovery options. Phone numbers often help with two-factor authentication, suspicious login detection, and recovering locked accounts.

The company has not announced any broader rollout plans. At the moment, there is no indication that existing Gmail accounts will lose storage capacity or face new verification requirements.

Still, the test has already sparked criticism from privacy advocates and some users online.

Critics argue the move pressures users into sharing more data

Opponents of the experiment argue that the reduced storage limit effectively encourages users to provide additional personal information in exchange for restoring standard account functionality.

Phone numbers increasingly act as persistent digital identifiers across online ecosystems. Linking them to Google accounts can strengthen identity mapping between services, devices, and advertising systems.

Critics also point out that many users rely on Gmail accounts for semi-anonymous communication, secondary accounts, testing environments, or compartmentalized online identities. Requiring phone numbers could reduce that flexibility.

Cloud storage remains a major business opportunity

The experiment also arrives as cloud storage subscriptions continue becoming a significant revenue stream for major technology companies.

Google has aggressively promoted Google One subscriptions over recent years, offering additional storage alongside AI tools, VPN services, and enhanced editing features. Smaller free storage tiers could eventually increase pressure on users to move toward paid plans sooner.

Even if the current test remains limited, observers note that “security” and “account recovery” explanations often become the foundation for broader account policy changes later.

No evidence yet of a wider rollout

For now, Google maintains that the storage reduction remains experimental and region-limited. No public evidence currently suggests existing Gmail users will suddenly lose storage space or face mandatory phone-number verification requirements.

The company has also not clarified which countries or signup conditions trigger the lower storage allocation.

The test nevertheless highlights the growing tension between convenience, privacy, security, and monetization across major online platforms.

Other Google-related developments

In separate developments, Microsoft once again faces criticism for allegedly mimicking Google’s search interface inside Microsoft Edge. Meanwhile, Google’s latest Gemini promotional campaign reportedly takes aim at Microsoft Copilot.

Google has also introduced new AI-focused Googlebook devices as the company continues expanding AI integration across its consumer hardware ecosystem.