Google Testing 5GB Storage Limit For New Gmail Accounts Without Phone Verification

Google is reportedly testing a new policy that reduces free storage for some new Gmail users from 15GB to 5GB unless they verify their account using a phone number. The experiment is currently being observed in select regions, with reports mainly emerging from African countries.

Users affected by the test are reportedly being given two choices during sign-up — keep 5GB storage or unlock the full 15GB by adding a phone number.

• What happened
  • Google is testing reduced storage limits for new Gmail accounts in certain regions.
  • New users may receive only 5GB of storage without phone verification.
  • Accounts linked to a phone number can reportedly access the standard 15GB free storage.
• Why it matters
  • Google storage is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
  • The move has sparked concerns around privacy, data collection, and anonymous internet access.
• What changes
  • Users without phone verification could run out of storage much faster.
  • The policy may discourage people from creating multiple free accounts for extra cloud storage.
• Privacy concerns
  • Critics say linking phone numbers allows stronger tracking across Google services and devices.
  • Privacy-focused alternatives like Proton Mail may gain attention if the policy expands globally.
• Who is affected
  • New Gmail users in regions where the test is active
  • Users relying heavily on free Google cloud storage
  • Privacy-conscious internet users

What to watch next:
Whether Google expands the storage policy to more countries and if the company officially confirms broader changes to free Gmail storage limits.