Google has implemented a significant reduction in the free storage space offered by Gmail to new users. The limit dropped from 15 GB to just 5 GB, without prior notice from the company. The change was identified by a user on Reddit through a screenshot that showed the initial space being cut in half. Novos users can request an additional 10GB, bringing the total to the original 15GB, as long as they add a verified phone number to their Google account.
Mudança only affects newly created accounts
Usuários already registered keeps the initial 15 GB intact. The modification applies exclusively to anyone who creates an Gmail account from now on. The default limit remains at 5 GB until the account owner steps in to add a valid phone number and unlock the remaining 10 GB. The official Gmail support page does not yet formally list this new policy for new users, reinforcing the silent nature of the implementation.
Possíveis reasons behind reduction
Especialistas point out three main motivations for reducing free space:
- Redução of operational costs related to cloud storage.
- Combate to spam and inactive accounts that consume space without verification.
- Coleta of personal data when requiring phone number for complete unlocking.
Android Authority suggests that the change may be part of an ongoing A/B test on Google’s servers. Esses testing allows the company to validate strategies in specific groups before global implementations. The requirement to add phone number to recover full space represents a significant change in Gmail integration policy. Historicamente, the service allowed creating accounts with just an email address and password, without additional verification requirements.
User Verification Estratégia
Contass that are inactive or created automatically by bots often pose a problem for email infrastructures. Essas accounts take up space without generating advertising revenue and increase maintenance costs. Quem wishing to keep the 15 GB of storage space will have two options: use an old Google account or complete the phone verification process on new accounts. Usuários who prefer not to share a phone number will be limited to the initial 5 GB.
The limitation mainly affects users in regions where data privacy is a central concern. Fornecer phone number for technology companies carries potential risk of identity theft and spam. Gmail has undergone several transformations since its launch in 2004. The expansion of free storage space from 1 GB to 15 GB occurred in 2012 and remained stable for almost 14 years, representing the first major reduction in free quota since then.
Histórico changes to Google services
Outros Google services also faced similar restrictions. Google Drive, Photos and Meet have undergone changes to their free limits in recent years, reflecting the company’s tendency to more aggressively monetize its products. The change in Gmail follows this pattern of adjustments to storage policies, indicating a broader corporate strategy to review the benefits offered for free to users.