Google is testing reducing the 15GB free storage limit for new Gmail accounts

Google might be making a huge change to Gmail and people are already debating whether it’s a smart security move or just another way to collect more data.

For years, creating a new Gmail account came with 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos.

But now, Google is reportedly testing a system that cuts that free allowance down to just 5GB for some new users.

And there’s a catch if you want the extra space back.

Say goodbye to the 15GB free storage limit for new Gmail accounts

Reports first started appearing online after tech users noticed something unusual while signing up for new Gmail accounts.

Instead of the standard 15GB of storage, some users were only being offered 5GB, and Google seemed to be offering the full 15GB only if users added a phone number to their account.

Google later confirmed to Android Authority that it is testing the change in select regions.

According to the company, the move is designed to improve account security and help with data recovery.

Google said the test would “help us continue to provide a high-quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery.”

At the moment, existing Gmail users are not affected, and the test appears to apply only to newly created accounts in certain regions, with several early reports reportedly coming from African countries.

Users are already questioning Google’s motives

While Google says the move is about security, plenty of users online think there could be more to it.

Some believe the company is trying to reduce spam accounts and stop people from creating endless free accounts for extra storage space.

Others think it could be another push towards paid Google One subscriptions, especially as cloud storage demands keep growing.

The timing has definitely raised eyebrows because Google recently expanded storage for some paying AI subscribers up to 5TB.

A lot of users are also uncomfortable with the idea of linking a phone number just to access storage that used to be free by default.

The good news for longtime Gmail users is that nothing appears to be changing for existing accounts right now.

So if you already have your 15GB of free storage, it looks like you’re safe for the time being.

But if this test eventually rolls out worldwide, future Gmail signups could end up looking very different.