Google One Update Hints at New Multi-Account Sharing Feature
Code in a recent Google One app update suggests a forthcoming "Connected accounts" feature. This would allow users to share pooled cloud storage and AI benefits across multiple personal accounts without utilizing Family Group slots. While secondary accounts would retain privacy for photos and chats, premium perks like YouTube Premium may remain exclusive to the primary subscriber. Google has not yet officially announced the rollout.
Key points
- Google, the developer of the Google One subscription service, is reportedly testing a new "Connected accounts" feature discovered in a recent app update.
- The feature would enable plan managers to extend shared cloud storage and eligible AI perks to secondary personal accounts without consuming Family Group slots.
- Secondary accounts would maintain full privacy for their photos, files, and Gemini chats, preventing cross-account data visibility.
- Premium add-ons such as YouTube Premium and Home Premium may remain restricted to the primary account holder, limiting the scope of shared benefits.
- The update addresses a persistent user frustration regarding the complexity of managing separate perks and quotas across multiple personal Google accounts.
- The feature remains in a pre-announcement phase, with code analysis suggesting it is in development but not yet officially confirmed by Google.
Recent code analysis of the Google One application indicates that the company is developing a new "Connected accounts" feature. This update aims to resolve a significant usability challenge for users who manage multiple personal Google accounts. Currently, sharing storage and AI benefits often requires setting up a Family Group, which can be cumbersome for individuals who prefer to keep their accounts separate. The new feature would allow a primary subscriber to link secondary accounts, granting them access to the shared storage pool and eligible AI features without integrating them into a family unit.
A key aspect of this development is the preservation of privacy. According to the code, secondary accounts would maintain distinct visibility for their personal data, including photos, files, and Gemini chat history. This means that while storage capacity is pooled, the contents of each account remain private from the others. However, the sharing of premium add-ons may be more limited. Perks such as YouTube Premium and Home Premium could remain exclusive to the primary account holder, meaning secondary users might not receive these specific benefits even if they are part of the connected group.
This update is significant for the global user base of Google’s ecosystem, particularly as the company expands its AI-centric subscription tiers. By simplifying the management of multiple accounts, Google may reduce friction for power users and professionals who require separate work and personal identities. However, until Google officially announces the feature, the exact scope of shared benefits and the rollout timeline remain unconfirmed. The discovery highlights the company’s ongoing effort to refine its subscription model in response to user feedback regarding account management complexity.
Sources
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