No, Google is not ending its 15GB of free Gmail storage policy — it's testing a 5GB initial limit that jumps to the full amount if you add a phone number
Google is testing a new storage policy for new Gmail accounts in select regions, initially offering 5GB of free storage instead of the standard 15GB. Users can unlock the full 15GB by adding a phone number to their account. This change does not affect existing Google accounts and is currently only a trial.
- ▪Google is testing a 5GB initial storage limit for new Gmail accounts in certain regions.
- ▪Adding a phone number to a new account increases the free storage from 5GB to 15GB.
- ▪The 15GB storage policy remains unchanged for existing Google account holders.
- ▪The company says the test aims to improve account security and data recovery.
- ▪Users are not required to provide a phone number but receive less storage if they choose not to.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Computing Internet Websites & Apps No, Google is not ending its 15GB of free Gmail storage policy — it's testing a 5GB initial limit that jumps to the full amount if you add a phone number News By David Nield published 16 May 2026 Stay in touch When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. The rules around Gmail storage are changing in some regions (Image credit: Ascannio / Shutterstock) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Google is changing its storage policy for new Gmail accountsNew accounts in some regions will only get 5GB of free storage spaceAdding a phone number…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at TechRadar.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from TechRadar
