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Edgar Cervantes \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n
TL;DR<\/p>\n
Google is reportedly testing a 5GB storage limit for new Gmail accounts, down from the standard 15GB.
\nUsers can \u201cunlock\u201d the full 15GB of free storage by adding a phone number to their account.
\nGoogle subsequently confirmed this test in a statement to Android Authority.<\/p>\n
Update: May 15, 2026 (2:57 AM ET): Google has now confirmed<\/a> this test in a statement to us while giving more details regarding the feature:<\/p>\n We\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n In other words, Google says it\u2019s effectively incentivizing new users to add their phone numbers to improve security.<\/p>\n Original article: May 14, 2026 (9:07 AM ET): Signing up for a Gmail account normally gives you 15GB of free cloud storage. That\u2019s fairly generous if managed well<\/a>, and generally good enough for most people. However, it seems that Google is testing offering only 5GB free storage unless you add a phone number to your account.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t want to miss the best from Android Authority?<\/p>\n According to a screenshot shared on Reddit by user sungusungu<\/a> (via Piunikaweb<\/a>), Google only gave them 5GB of free storage with their new Gmail account. Additionally, the company gave them the option to unlock the full 15GB free storage by adding a phone number.<\/p>\n Users on Reddit reacted with questions about \u201cfree\u201d services, with some saying it\u2019s a new way for Google to collect data from its users. However, several users also pointed out that it could be to prevent spam.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, I tried creating a new Gmail account to see if this shows up for me as well. However, Google wouldn\u2019t let me continue without adding a phone number in the first place. On the other hand, my alternative Gmail account, which doesn\u2019t have a phone number added, still shows that I have 15GB of storage.<\/p>\n Would you give Google your phone number to unlock the full 15GB of Gmail storage?<\/p>\n 453 votes<\/p>\n Yes, that’s fine<\/p>\n 18%<\/p>\n No, 5GB is enough<\/p>\n 11%<\/p>\n No, but I still want 15GB of storage<\/p>\n 44%<\/p>\n I already gave my number to Google<\/p>\n 27%<\/p>\n It is unclear whether this is a change that\u2019s being rolled out or if Google is running an A\/B test in certain regions. Google hasn\u2019t announced any changes, and its support page<\/a> still mentions that each account gets 15GB free storage. For now, it seems there\u2019s nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve reached out to Google for comment and will update this article when we hear back.<\/p>\n![\"google](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png\"\/ "\\"google"){kind=icon}
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<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Google's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/google-storage-options-15gb-free-with-phone-number.jpg\"\/ "\\"google")
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