Google explains why new Gmail accounts start with 5 GB free storage

Google has officially addressed the buzz that some new Gmail users are receiving only 5 GB of free storage instead of the traditional 15 GB. In a statement to Android Authority, a Google spokesperson clarified that the reduced quota is part of a controlled experiment rolled out in a handful of regions.

What the test looks like

• New accounts created in the test zones receive 5 GB of shared storage for Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
• Adding a verified phone number to the account instantly unlocks the full 15 GB allocation at no extra cost.
• Existing accounts are unaffected; as long as a phone number is attached, they retain the 15 GB limit.

Google did not disclose the specific countries involved, but the wording on its support page now reads “Each Google Account includes up to 15 GB of storage” rather than the definitive “includes 15 GB of storage.” This subtle change signals that the 15 GB figure is conditional.

Why Google is doing this

The company frames the test as a way to maintain a high‑quality storage service while encouraging users to improve account security and data‑recovery options. From a technical standpoint, a smaller default quota reduces the risk of rapid, uncontrolled data growth on Google’s backend, which can strain infrastructure and affect performance for all users.

Requiring a phone number serves two purposes:

1. Security – Phone‑based two‑factor authentication (2FA) and recovery options are more robust than email‑only methods.
2. Data hygiene – Users who link a phone are more likely to be active, legitimate accounts, which helps Google keep spam and abandoned accounts in check.

Impact on the broader Google ecosystem

Gmail

The reduced storage may affect heavy email users who rely on large attachments. However, Gmail’s AI‑powered Smart Compose and category tabs continue to operate unchanged, and the new Purchases view and refined Promotions tab remain available.

Google Drive & Photos

For casual users, 5 GB is still enough for a modest collection of documents and a few photos. Power users will quickly notice the limit and may be prompted to add a phone number or consider a paid Google One plan.

Google One and paid upgrades

Google’s paid tiers start at 100 GB for $1.99 / month (US). The test could indirectly steer some users toward these plans, especially if they prefer not to share a phone number.

What you can do now

• Add a phone number to your Google Account to instantly unlock the full 15 GB. You can do this from the Security section of your Google Account settings: Google Account Security.
• Monitor your storage regularly via the Google Drive storage manager: Drive storage details.
• If you’re in a region where the test is active and you prefer not to add a phone number, consider a Google One subscription or use alternative cloud services for large files.

Looking ahead

Google’s experiment is likely a data‑driven pilot. If the results show improved security compliance and manageable storage growth, the 5 GB default could become a permanent feature, at least for new accounts in certain markets. Keep an eye on official Google blogs and the Google Workspace Updates page for any announcements about the test’s rollout or conclusion.

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