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Google is limiting free cloud storage for some new accounts unless users link a phone number to their account. The change was spotted by a Reddit user and later confirmed by Google in a statement to Android Authority.
“We’re testing a new storage policy for new accounts created in select regions that will help us continue to provide a high-quality storage service to our users, while encouraging users to improve their account security and data recovery,” Google said.
One of the biggest perks of signing up for a Gmail or Google account has been the 15GB of free cloud storage. It can store data from Google services, including Sheets, Docs, Photos, and Gmail, as well as files uploaded from your personal device.
While the benefit had largely been unconditional until now, users in some regions must now link a phone number to unlock the full storage capacity. If they don't, they will be limited to 5GB. In the screenshot shared by Reddit user sungusungu, Google says that it is taking this measure “to make sure storage is added only once per person.”
In the caption, sungusungu added that they came across this page while creating a new Gmail account. 5GB was offered for free, while 15GB was available for free as soon as they linked their phone number.
Google hasn't mentioned the regions where it is enforcing this new requirement. According to Android Authority, the change was reported by some users in Africa. I tried creating new Google accounts on iOS and desktop in India, but Google wouldn’t let me complete the setup without linking my phone number.
Google has also updated the language on its support page to note that “your Google Account comes with up to 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge.” Until a couple of months ago, the page said “your Google Account comes with 15 GB of cloud storage.”
It’s unclear whether the ongoing memory crisis is related to Google’s decision. Prices of storage devices have shot up due to increased demand, in part driven by AI data centers.
For years, Google Photos has offered unlimited storage, as long as you agreed to compress your images to 16 megapixels. However, in 2021, the company ended that perk and said Google Photos and new Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, and Forms would count toward the free 15GB of storage.