Goodbye, free 15GB storage: Why your free Google space just shrank by 66 percent

Google is cutting free cloud storage for new accounts from 15GB to 5GB in May 2026, with users needing to verify a mobile number to access the full 15GB. The shift comes after subtle changes to signup workflows and support documentation, where the default storage offer now reads ‘up to 15GB’ instead of the previous ‘15GB at no charge.’ The policy adjustment reflects growing hardware costs tied to AI infrastructure, particularly for large language models like Google’s Gemini ecosystem. Running data centers now demands far more computational power and specialized memory than in the past, making unconditional free storage unsustainable. By restricting default allocations, Google aims to optimize resources for high-value users rather than anonymous or duplicate accounts. Analyst Faisal Kawoosa notes that existing users remain unaffected, but the change targets commercial misuse of free storage by startups, freelancers, and small businesses. These entities have historically relied on Google’s 15GB free tier for commercial purposes, bypassing paid Google Workspace subscriptions. The new policy forces a more judicious use of cloud resources, aligning with rising memory costs and business sustainability needs. While Google has not publicly disclosed the full rationale, industry experts suggest the move is both a response to economic pressures and a strategic shift to discourage free-tier exploitation. The change could reshape consumer behavior, encouraging users to upgrade to paid plans or adopt more efficient storage habits in an era of escalating data demands.