Update Highlights
- Policy Version: New account creation flow. Key Change: Default free storage reduced from 15GB to 5GB for unverified accounts. Status: Rolling out now to new users globally.
- Verification Requirement: Phone number linking. Key Feature: Required to unlock the standard 15GB shared storage pool. Eligibility: All new personal Google accounts.
- Core Impact: Storage policy update. Key Fix: Aims to reduce spam and automated account creation. Rollout: Immediate for new accounts; existing accounts unaffected.
For more than ten years, signing up for a Google account meant you got 15 gigs of free space for your email, files, and photos. It was a simple, no-questions-asked deal that helped Google become the default option for billions of people. That deal is now different. Google has started rolling out a new rule for anyone making an account today: you only get 5GB unless you hand over your phone number. It's a major shift in how the company treats its free users, and it tells us a lot about where things are headed.
Update Overview
- Update Name: Google Account Storage Policy Revision
- Update Type: Policy / Service Update
- Rollout Status: Rolling out now
- Region: Global rollout confirmed
This isn't a new app or a security patch. It's a change to the terms of service for new users. You don't have a choice if you want a new account, and while it's not an emergency for people who already have one, it's a big deal for anyone signing up from here on out. The policy is mandatory.
Eligible "Devices" and Rollout Schedule
This change hits you when you create an account, not when you buy a phone or install an app. It's all about that sign-up page.
Account Eligibility Status
- New Personal Google Accounts: Affected. The new 5GB default limit with phone verification required for 15GB is active.
- Existing Google Accounts: NOT affected. All existing accounts retain their current storage allotment (typically 15GB free shared storage).
- Google Workspace Accounts (G Suite): NOT affected. This policy applies to free, personal accounts only.
| Service/Account Type | Region | Status | Expected Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Personal Account Sign-up | Global | Rolling Out Now | Immediate upon sign-up attempt |
| Existing Personal Accounts | Global | No Change | N/A |
India Rollout Note: For service policy updates like this one, Google typically enables changes simultaneously across all regions, including India. There should be no staggered delay for Indian users attempting to create new accounts. The phone number verification will work with Indian mobile numbers (+91).
New Policy: Features and Changes
Google is tightening the screws. The company says this is about fighting spam bots, which is probably true. But the practical effect is that a phone number is now the price of admission for the amount of storage we all used to get for free.
Revised Storage Allocation
Here's the core of the change, and it's a straight-up downgrade.
- New Default: 5GB of free shared storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
- Previous Default: 15GB of free shared storage.
- Unlock Mechanism: To increase storage from 5GB to the standard 15GB, the new account must undergo phone number verification (linking a mobile number).
Phone Number Verification Requirement
This is the new gate you have to walk through.
- Purpose: Google states the verification is needed to "unlock the full 15 GB" and "avoid abuse."
- Process: During or after account creation, users will be prompted to add and verify a valid mobile phone number.
- Impact: Without completing this step, the account remains limited to 5GB total storage. This will quickly become restrictive for regular use of Gmail with attachments, Drive file storage, or backup of photos in original quality.
- India Availability: The feature is fully available in India. Users can verify using an Indian mobile number (+91).
What Changed vs. The Previous Policy
| Aspect | Previous Policy (Legacy) | New Policy (Current Rollout) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Storage for New Accounts | 15GB shared (Gmail, Drive, Photos) | 5GB shared, upgradable to 15GB |
| Phone Number Requirement | Optional for account recovery/2FA | Mandatory to unlock full 15GB storage |
| Primary Goal | User acquisition and ecosystem lock-in | Abuse prevention (spam/bot accounts) and verified user base growth |
| Impact on Existing Users | N/A | No change to current storage limits |
How to Access the Full 15GB Storage
If you're signing up now, you have to play by the new rules. Here's how.
- Begin the new account creation process at accounts.google.com/signup.
- Fill in your name, desired username (Gmail address), and password.
- When prompted, add your mobile phone number.
- Complete the verification by entering the one-time code sent via SMS to that number.
- Once verified, your new account will have access to the full 15GB shared storage pool.
Pre-Checklist: Make sure you have the phone you want to use handy. You'll need it to get an SMS code. Remember, Google limits how many accounts you can link to a single number.
"Not getting the 15GB?" Troubleshooting: Stuck at 5GB? Go into your Google Account security settings. You have to finish verifying your number there, not just during sign-up, to get the storage bump.
Should You Update Right Away?
If you already have a Google account, you don't need to do a thing. But for new users, the math is simple.
You must verify with a phone number immediately if... you plan to actually use this account. Five gigabytes is nothing. A few months of standard email use, a handful of photo backups, and you'll be out of space.
You cannot bypass this policy if... you want the old 15GB deal. There's no secret trick. No phone number, no storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this affect my existing Google account?
No. If your account existed before this rollout, you keep your 15GB. This only applies to brand-new accounts.
I'm in India; can I use my Indian number for verification?
Yes. Indian mobile numbers with the +91 country code work fine for unlocking the storage.
What if I don't want to link my phone number?
Then you're stuck with 5GB. Forever. That's the trade-off.
Can I remove my phone number after verification to get more privacy?
You might be able to, but no one knows for sure if Google will then claw back your storage. It's a risky move that could also lock you out of your account.
Is this a way for Google to push paid Google One plans?
Let's be real. Of course it is. Starting new users at a paltry 5GB makes that 100GB Google One plan look a lot more necessary a lot sooner.
Does this apply to Google Workspace (business/school) accounts?
No. This is strictly for free, personal @gmail.com accounts. Paid business and education accounts operate under different rules.
Final Thoughts
Google's free lunch is officially over. The company spent years giving away generous storage to build its empire, and now that we're all locked in, the terms are getting stricter. Sure, fighting spam is a good reason. But it's also a fantastic way to collect more verified data on every new user and nudge them toward paid plans. If you've got an old account, cherish it. If you're making a new one, understand the cost: your phone number is now the minimum ticket price for the service Google built its reputation on. It's a small but clear signal that in tech, the only constant is the gradual erosion of what you get for free.
Sources
- tech.yahoo.com
- ground.news
- latestly.com