Google has quietly adjusted its free cloud storage offering, making a phone number mandatory to unlock the full 15GB cap. Previously, all new accounts received 15GB automatically, but now users who skip phone verification get only 5GB. This change, first spotted by Reddit users and confirmed via historical page archives, affects sign-ups from March 2026 onward. Below, we break down the key details in a Q&A format.
What is the new free storage limit without a phone number?
Starting in March 2026, anyone creating a new Google account who chooses not to provide a phone number during sign-up will receive just **5GB** of free cloud storage. This is a significant reduction from the previous standard of 15GB. The storage pool is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. If you later decide to add a phone number, your storage will increase to 15GB. This change only applies to new accounts; existing users keep their original 15GB tier regardless of phone number status.
How does providing a phone number affect my storage?
By entering a phone number during registration, your account is considered verified, and you unlock the full **15GB** free storage tier. Without it, you're restricted to just 5GB. The phone number is used for account verification and to reduce anonymous sign-ups. Once verified, you're no longer anonymous and gain the higher limit. You can add your phone number at any later point through account settings to upgrade from 5GB to 15GB—the storage increase is not immediate but typically takes effect within minutes.
Why is Google now requiring a phone number?
Google's primary motive is account verification. By linking a phone number, the company can better authenticate users, reduce spam, and curb fraudulent account creation. This also helps Google comply with various anti-abuse policies. While the move seems privacy-invasive, Google argues it improves security and service reliability. Notably, the phone number is not used for marketing or sold to third parties according to Google's privacy policy, but it does become part of your account profile.
Can I add my phone number later to get the 15GB?
Yes. If you initially signed up without a phone number and received only 5GB, you can later add your phone number through your Google Account settings. Once verified, your free storage will rise to 15GB. This is a one-way upgrade; you cannot later remove the phone number and keep 15GB. The option to add a number is available at any time, and the change is typically processed immediately. Ensure you have access to the phone to receive a verification code.
What are my alternatives if I don't want to give my phone number?
If you prefer not to share your phone number, you have two main options:
- Stay with 5GB free storage and manage your usage accordingly. This may require frequent cleanup or archiving of emails, photos, and files.
- Subscribe to Google One for paid cloud storage, starting at $19.99/year for 100GB and going up to $99.99/year for 2TB (with first-year discounts available). This does not require a phone number beyond the initial account setup (if you already have a number-less account, you can upgrade without providing one).
Did Google officially announce this change?
No, Google has made no official announcement about the revised storage policy. The change was detected by users on Reddit and later investigated by tech blogs like 9to5Google. Using the Wayback Machine, they confirmed that Google silently updated its support page in March 2026, altering the phrase from "Your Google Account comes with 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge" to "Your Google Account comes with up to 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge." This subtle wording change reflects the new conditional requirement.
Are existing users affected by this change?
No. Existing Google account holders are not impacted. They continue to enjoy the original 15GB free storage cap regardless of whether they have a phone number on file. The new rules apply only to accounts created after March 2026. However, if an existing user deletes their phone number from their account, they will not lose storage. The policy is forward-looking and does not retroactively reduce storage for current users.
How was this change discovered and confirmed?
The altered policy came to light when a Reddit user trying to set up a new Google account noticed that skipping phone number entry resulted in only 5GB of free storage. The post gained traction, prompting tech outlets to verify. 9to5Google used the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine to compare versions of Google's storage support page before and after March 2026. They found the exact date the wording changed, confirming the stealthy update. Google has not responded to media inquiries about the change.