According to the source review from Digital Trends Computing, Google has quietly shifted its longstanding offer of 15GB free cloud storage per account to a more conditional model. New users automatically receive only 5GB of storage, matching competitors like iCloud, and must link a phone number during setup to unlock the full 15GB allocation. This change, effective since March 2026, appears to be part of a regional test aimed at reducing storage abuse.
- Free accounts start with 5GB storage; 15GB requires phone verification
- Change aims to curb multiple account abuse and storage duplication
- Part of a regional test with no widespread announcement yet
Product angle
The source review reports that Google’s adjustment to its free Google account storage has significantly reduced the unconditional free allocation users expect. Instead of a flat 15GB of free space shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos, new accounts receive only 5GB initially. To access the traditional 15GB, users must link a phone number during account setup, an extra verification step that Google apparently enforces quietly without broad public announcements.
This move appears designed to prevent users from repeatedly signing up for new accounts to exploit free storage, making it tougher to game the system by tying free storage to a phone number, which is harder to obtain repeatedly than new email accounts. The policy change is currently a regional experiment, so some users still retain access to 15GB without verification.
Best for / avoid if
This updated free storage model is best suited for casual or privacy-conscious users who do not mind linking their phone number for enhanced free storage benefits. Those who rely heavily on Google’s ecosystem but want to avoid sharing additional personal information might find the 5GB default insufficient, as this storage is shared for email, files, and photos and fills quickly.
Conversely, users who frequently create multiple accounts to maximize free storage should avoid relying solely on this new structure. It may also be a poor fit for users in regions where phone number verification is difficult or for those who prefer maximum free storage without added verification hurdles.
Pricing and alternatives to check
While the source does not detail explicit pricing changes for paid tiers, it notes that Google recently elevated storage limits for its AI Pro subscribers from 1TB to 5TB, indicating a stronger push toward paid plans for larger needs. Users who find the new free tier restrictive should consider Google’s paid storage plans or alternative providers with more generous free quotas.
Alternatives to evaluate include Apple iCloud, which also starts users with 5GB free storage, Microsoft OneDrive, which offers 5GB or more depending on the plan, and Dropbox, which provides various free and paid options. Evaluating these options alongside Google can help users balance storage needs, privacy preferences, and account verification requirements.