Google has quietly begun testing a significant change to its free storage offering for new accounts. Instead of the standard 15GB of free storage that has been available for years across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, some new accounts are now being restricted to just 5GB. This represents a two-thirds reduction in the complimentary storage that users have come to expect. However, there is a simple way to reclaim the missing 10GB: by linking a phone number to your account.

The news first surfaced when Reddit users noticed that newly created Google accounts in certain regions were only showing 5GB of storage. A screenshot shared on the subreddit R/DeGoogle, which focuses on alternatives to Google services, revealed a pop-up message offering an additional 10GB of storage in exchange for providing a phone number. The pop-up explains that the phone number will be used for account recovery and security purposes. The full 15GB is then unlocked once the number is verified.

When approached for comment, a Google spokesperson confirmed the test, stating that the goal is to "help us continue to provide a high-quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery." This statement suggests that the move is not purely about cost-cutting but also about reducing the number of abandoned or duplicate accounts and improving overall security. The spokesperson did not specify which regions are part of the test or how long it will last, leaving many users uncertain about when or if the change will roll out globally.

This development marks a notable shift in Google's long-standing approach to free storage. For over a decade, 15GB was the standard free tier for all Google accounts, shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. That amount was already reduced from the original 15GB for Photos when Google ended its free high-quality photo backup policy in 2021. Since then, storage limits have become more important to users who rely on Google's ecosystem. The introduction of Google One, a paid subscription plan, offered more storage and additional features, but the free tier remained stable at 15GB until now.

The updated language on the Google One Help page further confirms the change. The page now states that each Google account contains "up to 15 GB of storage," a subtle but significant alteration from the previous unconditional "15 GB of storage." This phrasing allows Google to offer less than the maximum to certain accounts without breaking its official documentation. The help page now reflects the possibility that some users may initially receive only 5GB.

So why is Google doing this? There are several possible reasons. First, by requiring a phone number to unlock the full 15GB, Google can better prevent the creation of bulk accounts for spam or abuse. Phone number verification adds a layer of friction that deters malicious actors. Second, it encourages users to set up recovery options, which reduces the risk of account lockouts. Third, it may be a way to nudge users toward Google One subscriptions. If a user does not want to provide a phone number or finds the 5GB insufficient, they may consider upgrading to a paid plan. However, the current test appears to be opt-in: users who link a number receive the additional storage at no cost.

It is important to note that this policy currently applies only to new accounts. Existing accounts with the full 15GB are not affected. Users who already have a Google account will continue to enjoy their pre-existing storage allocation. However, if the test proves successful, Google may eventually extend it to all new sign-ups worldwide. For now, affected users have a clear path to restore their storage.

How to Link Your Google Account With a Phone Number

If you are setting up a new Google account in a region where the 5GB limit is active, you will likely see a pop-up screen during the setup process offering to unlock additional storage by adding a phone number. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to enter your number, verify it via a code sent by text or call, and your storage will increase to 15GB. If you already have a Google account and want to ensure your phone number is linked for security reasons, or if you just want to check your storage status, you can do so through your account settings.

To add a recovery phone number to an existing Google account using a computer, follow these steps:

• Open your web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in if you haven't already.
• On the left-hand navigation menu, click "Security and sign in." This will open a list of security options.
• Scroll down to the section labeled "Use your phone to sign in" and click "Set it up." Alternatively, navigate directly to the "Recovery phone" option under the "Ways we can verify it's you" section.
• Choose "Recovery phone" from the menu and enter your phone number. Google will send you a verification code via text message or phone call.
• Enter the code in the provided field to confirm the number. Once verified, your phone number will be linked to your account, and if you were affected by the 5GB limit, the extra 10GB should be automatically added.

If you are using an Android device, iPhone, or iPad, the process is similar. Access myaccount.google.com from your mobile browser. Tap on "Personal info" and then select "Phone." Under the "Recovery phone" section, you can add or edit your number. The same verification process will follow. It is worth noting that you can use the same phone number on multiple Google accounts, but Google's system may limit how many accounts can be associated with a single number to prevent abuse.

The storage increase is not immediate in all cases. Some users have reported a short delay of a few minutes to a few hours before the change reflects in their account. If you do not see the extra storage right away, check back later or try signing out and back in. You can also check your current storage usage by visiting drive.google.com or by going to the storage section in your Google Account settings. There, you will see a breakdown of how much storage is used by Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.

Google's experiment raises several questions about the future of free cloud storage. As the cost of data storage continues to decrease, companies are increasingly using free tiers as a way to onboard users while pushing premium services. For Google, which has billions of active Gmail users, even a small reduction in storage for new accounts can translate into significant savings in data center costs. At the same time, phone number collection helps improve account security and reduces spam, which benefits all users. The trade-off for users is a slight inconvenience during setup, but for most, the solution is straightforward.

It remains to be seen whether this test will become permanent or whether Google will adopt a different approach in other regions. The company has not announced any official timeline for a broader rollout. In the meantime, if you are planning to create a new Google account and want to ensure you get the full 15GB, be prepared to provide a phone number during the sign-up process. If you already have an account, no action is required, but linking a phone number is still a good idea for security purposes, such as recovering your account if you forget your password.

The bottom line is that Google is now conditionally offering the 15GB that was once an automatic entitlement. By requiring a phone number, the company is effectively turning free storage into a privilege that comes with improved account security. For users who value privacy and wish to avoid sharing a phone number, the alternative is to accept the limited 5GB or consider a paid Google One subscription. However, for most people, linking a phone number is a simple task that already appears on many online services for security reasons. With this change, Google may be setting a new standard for how free cloud storage is allocated, and other technology companies could follow suit in the future.

Source: SlashGear News