Google is reportedly testing a new policy that reduces free cloud storage for newly created Gmail accounts from 15GB to 5GB, with the experiment currently focused on some African markets. Reports confirmed by AndroidAuthority indicate that affected users can restore the full 15GB allocation after linking an active phone number to their accounts.
Since 2013, new Gmail accounts have automatically included 15GB of shared storage across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. Under the new test, however, unverified accounts are initially limited to 5GB, a move analysts believe may be aimed at reducing spam account creation and strengthening identity verification within Google’s ecosystem. Existing Gmail users are not affected by the policy, which currently applies only to newly created accounts within selected regions.
The development comes amid a series of recent changes by Google affecting its broader digital ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company introduced long requested support for Gmail address editing in the United States while also tightening restrictions around sideloading Android applications outside the Play Store. Industry observers say the latest storage experiment reflects Google’s increasing focus on ecosystem control, infrastructure management and account security.
The policy test has already generated reactions online, particularly among users in developing markets who depend heavily on free cloud storage for school materials, photographs and document backups. Although Google has not announced plans for a wider rollout, analysts say the company’s recent moves suggest 2026 could become a defining year for major policy and infrastructure changes across the Android and Google services ecosystem.