Google testing 5GB Gmail storage limit for new users
Original: The era of 15GB free Gmail storage is ending
Why This Matters
Signals potential shift in Google's free storage strategy and data collection methods
Google is testing a reduced 5GB storage limit for new Gmail accounts in select regions, down from the standard 15GB. Users can unlock full 15GB storage by adding a phone number to their account for security.
Google confirmed it's testing a new storage policy for new Gmail accounts in select regions, offering only 5GB instead of the usual 15GB free storage. Users can unlock the full 15GB by adding a phone number to their account. Google stated this encourages users to improve account security and data recovery while maintaining high-quality storage services. The test was discovered when Reddit user sungusungu shared a screenshot showing the reduced storage offer. Google's support page still lists 15GB as standard free storage, and existing accounts without phone numbers retain their full allocation. The company framed this as a security incentive rather than a storage reduction.