An update to Google’s terms has been spotted and it could mean less storage for your emails.
It’s no secret that Google’s Gmail service is one of the most popular on the planet, with it boasting some 1.8 billion users. Its success is partly down to its easy setup process and the generous free storage Google dishes out, allowing users to save emails and files without paying monthly subscription fees . However, it seems a change is on the way — and not everyone is pleased.
According to a Reddit user, Google now appears to offer only 5GB of free storage to people who create a new Gmail account without linking a phone number. Previously, all new accounts typically received 15GB of storage without requiring additional personal information.
“Gmail now gives 5GB free if you sign up without a phone number,” the post on Reddit said.
The user explained that while creating a new Gmail address, they were told they would receive the full 15GB only if they added a phone number. Otherwise, the account would be limited to 5GB.
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Screenshots shared online reportedly show a message during signup saying:
“Review your storage options. Your account includes 5GB of storage. Now get even more storage space with your number for Google Photos, Drive and Gmail. Google will use your phone number to make sure storage is added only once per account.”
Further fueling speculation, 9to5Google noticed a subtle update on Google’s support pages. Previously, the company stated: “Your Google Account comes with 15 GB of cloud storage at no charge.”
That wording has reportedly been changed to, “Your Google Account comes with up to 15 GB of cloud storage.”
Google has not officially explained the updated terms, but some believe it could be aimed at reducing fake accounts or preventing users from creating multiple accounts simply to gain extra free storage.
The reaction online has been largely negative. One Reddit user joked that the next step might be forcing YouTube creators to share phone numbers to keep their videos online, while another sarcastically predicted the free allowance could eventually shrink even further.
Others criticised the move as another example of tech companies encouraging users to trade personal data for services.
At the moment, the reported change appears to affect only newly created accounts, not existing Gmail users. Google has yet to release an official statement clarifying the situation.
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