Google eyes 5gb gmail limit: a storage crackdown?

Google is reportedly preparing to slash free storage for new Gmail accounts, dramatically reducing the initial 15GB to a meager 5GB.

A shift in strategy: why the storage cut?

Rumors are swirling that Google is implementing this change to combat the proliferation of spam accounts, specifically those created solely to bypass storage limits. A recent Reddit exchange revealed a message from Google instructing new users to include a phone number – a tactic designed to curb the creation of multiple accounts for storage purposes.

Tiered access: the google one solution

While 5GB might seem stingy, Google One offers a tiered system to alleviate the burden. For just $1.99 a month, users can snag 100GB, shareable across up to five individuals. Higher tiers, at $7.99 and $9.99 monthly, unlock 200GB and a staggering 2TB, respectively, accompanied by premium features like Gemini 3.1 Pro and enhanced Google Meet functionality. It’s a deliberate move to monetize user storage needs.

Subtle shift in documentation

The change isn’t just rumor; Google has already subtly tweaked its support documentation. The phrase