Google is reportedly testing a new policy that could reduce free cloud storage for certain new Gmail users who do not verify their accounts with a phone number.
According to reports shared by users on social media platforms and online forums, some newly created Gmail accounts are being limited to just 5GB of free storage instead of the standard 15GB currently offered by Google.
Users who complete phone number verification reportedly continue receiving the full 15GB storage allocation shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.
The reported test appears to affect selected regions, with several users from African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria claiming they encountered the reduced storage limit while creating new accounts.
Some users criticised the move, expressing concerns about increased data collection linked to mandatory phone verification. Others suggested the change could help reduce spam accounts and misuse of free storage services.
Currently, Google officially advertises 15GB of free storage for personal Google accounts. Many users create multiple Gmail accounts to bypass storage limitations instead of paying for additional cloud storage subscriptions.
Industry observers believe the new test may be aimed at discouraging the creation of multiple unverified accounts while encouraging stronger account security and easier account recovery options.
A Google spokesperson reportedly told technology publication Android Authority that the company is testing a new storage policy in select regions to maintain service quality while improving account security and recovery measures.
Google’s premium cloud storage service, Google One, offers additional paid storage plans for users requiring more space.
In India, the Google One Lite plan with 30GB storage currently starts at Rs. 59 per month, while higher tier plans offering 100GB and 2TB storage are also available.
At present, Google has not officially announced a global rollout of the reduced storage policy, and the company’s support pages still mention 15GB free storage for new accounts.
