Google is testing a significant reduction in free cloud storage for new Gmail accounts. The company is currently allocating just 5 GB of space to users who sign up without providing a phone number. This marks a sharp departure from the standard 15 GB allocation that has been the norm for nearly two decades.
New sign-ups without phone numbers receive only five gigabytes of space
The 15 GB storage allowance has historically been shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Under the new test parameters, new accounts receive only 5 GB by default. This change applies exclusively to new sign-ups and does not affect existing users. Google updated its support page in February to describe the storage limit as 'up to 15 GB', which may have obscured the upcoming changes.
Early reports indicate that this storage reduction is concentrated in parts of Africa. Google has not officially confirmed the specific regions involved in this test. The company aims to curb the creation of multiple accounts designed to stack free storage. Whether this 5 GB limit becomes the global default for all new sign-ups depends on the outcome of the current regional test.
A user on Reddit noted that the 5 GB allocation appears when signing up without a phone number. Android Authority reported on the policy shift. Google has not disclosed the launch window or confirmed if the test will expand beyond the current regions.
Source: NotebookCheck
