Google appears to be experimenting with a major change to its free cloud storage offering, a move that could affect how future users sign up for Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.

Several users online have reported seeing a new setup screen while creating Google accounts, suggesting that the company may no longer automatically provide 15GB of free storage to everyone. Instead, some users are reportedly being offered only 5GB unless they verify their account using a mobile phone number.

The development first gained attention after screenshots shared on Reddit began circulating online. The images show a message during account creation explaining that users can increase their storage allowance by connecting a phone number to the account. Those who skip the step may remain limited to the smaller storage tier.

For years, Google’s ecosystem- including Gmail, Drive and Photos, has attracted users partly because of its comparatively generous free storage compared to competing platforms.

Although Google has not formally announced a broad policy change, signs of a possible shift have reportedly appeared elsewhere as well. Technology publication 9to5Google noted that wording on Google’s official support documentation has quietly changed in recent months.

Earlier versions of the company’s storage policy reportedly stated that every Google account included 15GB of free storage. The updated language now says users can receive “up to 15GB,” a subtle but important distinction that has fueled speculation about a wider rollout.

Industry watchers believe the move may be aimed at reducing spam accounts and preventing people from repeatedly creating multiple accounts to access additional free cloud storage. Linking a phone number would allow Google to better identify users and restrict duplicate sign-ups.

At the moment, existing Google users do not appear to be affected. People who already have accounts with 15GB of storage are likely to continue using the same allocation unless Google announces a broader change in the future.

However, anyone planning to create a new Google account may soon face a different onboarding experience- one where access to the full free storage tier depends on phone verification.

Google has yet to officially confirm whether the experiment is temporary, regional or part of a permanent policy update.