Google Changes Free Gmail Rules: New Users May Face Reduced Storage

Google has started reducing the available storage capacity for free Gmail users. While free Gmail accounts were previously equipped with 15GB of free cloud storage, the capacity is now being lowered to 5GB for certain new accounts. This new capacity rule has begun to apply to users creating new free Gmail accounts in specific regions. Google stated that this reduction is currently in a testing phase.

According to Android Authority, the 5GB cloud capacity policy for free Gmail accounts is currently only applicable in African countries. “We are testing new storage policies for newly created accounts in some regions so that we can continue to provide high-quality storage services to our users, while encouraging users to enhance account security and data recovery,” Google told Android Authority.

However, there is a workaround that internet users can utilise to open new Gmail accounts with 15GB of cloud capacity. By including a telephone number in their Gmail account, the 5GB limit is automatically lifted. Google’s reason for applying different rules to accounts linked with a telephone number is security; by providing a phone number, Google can ensure account security through methods such as two-factor authentication. Google has not yet provided information regarding plans to expand this policy from Africa to other regions of the world.