Brief Overview
- Google is reportedly reducing free storage for new accounts from 15GB to 5GB unless users verify a phone number.
- The change affects Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, which all share the same storage pool.
- Existing users are not expected to lose space immediately, but new users may need phone verification to get the full free limit.
For years, Google has been offering 15GB of free storage with every new account, but now, Google is all set to make a significant change to its free cloud storage policy that could affect millions of users.
As per reports, Google is set to limit the free storage, which means new accounts will now receive only 5GB of free storage by default.
Let us take a look at what has changed with the new Google Drive storage policy 2026.
What Changed?
As per multiple sources, Google made this storage policy move quietly in March 2026.
When you create a new Google account, it will display a notice that states, “Your account includes 5GB of storage. Now get even more storage space with your phone number for Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail”.
Users have two options:
- Keep the basic 5GB without linking a phone number
- Unlock 15GB for free by verifying with a phone number
Google says phone verification ensures storage is added only once per person, preventing abuse of the free storage system.
How This Affects You
The main ones that will see the most impact will be the new account holders, which means if you add a phone number while creating a Google account, you will get 15GB storage, and without a phone number, the standard 5GB storage.
The storage works with Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
For the old users, they won’t lose their current storage immediately. The change applies only to new accounts created after the policy update.
Why Is Google Making This Change?
The main reason for the change is the rising costs for storage hardware, and wants to prevent bots and users from creating multiple accounts to get unlimited free storage
Other than that, phone verification helps ensure each person gets the free storage benefit only once, which will ensure the free storage benefit for everyone.
What Should Users Do?
- Creating a new account: Link a phone number during signup to get the full 15GB for free.
- Old Account Holder: Your storage remains unchanged for now
- Monitor your storage: 5 GB fills up quickly with photos and emails. Check your usage regularly.
- Consider Google One: If you need more space, Google’s paid subscription offers 100GB or more.
The Bottom Line
Google has not eliminated the 15GB of free storage, but it has limited it for users. So, it has set a new rule that will only allow users who verify their phone number to unlock the full 15 GB of storage.
If we look at Google’s move, this change reflects the rising costs of cloud storage while still offering free options for those willing to verify.
So, if you are a user who wants 15GB of storage without paying extra, then sign up with your phone number to verify, and get the full storage for free.
FAQs
What is the new Google free storage limit?
5GB by default; 15GB after verifying your phone number.
What happens if my Google storage becomes full?
You can’t upload files, send/receive emails, or back up photos until you free up space or buy more.
How can I free up Google storage space?
Delete large files, old emails, and big photos. Empty Trash in Drive, Gmail, and Photos.
