Reports claiming that Google is ending its free Gmail Storage policy are inaccurate. The company has confirmed that it is not removing the long-standing 15GB free storage offer available to Gmail users.
Instead, Google is currently testing a new account sign-up system for some users. Under this test, new accounts may initially receive only 5GB of free storage instead of the full 15GB.
According to Google, users can still unlock the complete 15GB of Gmail Storage after adding and verifying a phone number on their account.
The company explained that the test is designed to improve account security and support better data recovery options for users.
Google said the move is intended to help maintain a high-quality storage service while also reducing risks related to spam, fraud, and suspicious activity.
The updated system does not affect existing users who already have 15GB of free storage. The change only applies to certain new account registrations during the testing phase.
Under the test, users who skip phone number verification during sign-up may receive only one-third of the usual Gmail Storage allocation.
Google clarified that phone numbers are still not mandatory for creating a Gmail account in general. However, the company may ask for verification in cases where its systems detect unusual activity or possible security risks.
The reports about reduced Gmail Storage first gained attention after technology website PiunikaWeb highlighted a Reddit discussion involving a user who experienced the new storage limitation during account creation.
The discussion quickly spread online and triggered mixed reactions from users.
Some social media users criticized the idea and claimed the move could pressure people into sharing personal data.
Others argued that adding a phone number may improve account protection and help users recover accounts more easily if they lose access.
Technology experts say many online platforms are now moving toward stricter identity verification systems. Companies increasingly use phone verification to reduce fake accounts, spam activity, and online fraud.
The debate around Gmail Storage also reflects wider concerns about online privacy and data collection practices used by major technology companies.
Despite the confusion, Google has clearly stated that it is not ending the 15GB free storage plan for Gmail users.
The company emphasized that the test is limited to account sign-ups and does not represent a complete policy shift for all users worldwide.
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For now, existing Gmail users will continue receiving their standard free storage allocation, while new users may encounter different storage limits depending on whether they verify a phone number during registration.
