Google Restricts Free Access to Gemini 3 Pro Amid Surge in Demand

Google has adjusted access for free users of its AI models, Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro, just a week after their launch. The company cited “high demand” as the driving factor behind these changes, resulting in reduced daily usage limits for non-paying users.

Changes in Access Limits

Initially, free users of Gemini 3 Pro were allowed up to 5 prompts per day, reflecting the same limits set for its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Pro. Users could also generate up to 3 images daily with the new Nano Banana Pro model. However, Google’s recent update has replaced these specific figures with a vague description of “Basic access.” This change signifies that daily limits may now vary frequently, depending on server load. Additionally, the image generation limit for the Nano Banana Pro has been reduced to 2 images per day for free users.

The adjustments reflect a broader capacity issue that Google is currently facing. This week, the company temporarily rolled back features in NotebookLM, particularly the Infographics and Slide Decks functionalities. Free users have lost access to these features entirely, while Pro users are experiencing additional limits. In a statement, Google acknowledged the capacity constraints, saying, “Due to the overwhelming demand, we’re experiencing some capacity constraints… however, we plan on bringing everything back to normal as soon as we can!”

Impact on Subscribers

For those who subscribe to Google’s paid plans, the news is more favorable. There are no changes to the usage limits for either Google AI Pro, which allows 100 prompts per day, or Google AI Ultra, which offers 500 prompts per day. This strategic move appears to prioritize paying customers as Google works to enhance its compute capacity to meet the growing demand for its services.

The adjustments have elicited mixed reactions from users. While many understand the necessity of managing server load, others are disappointed by the reduced access to tools they had just begun to explore. As the situation develops, users are advised to keep an eye on Google’s announcements for any updates regarding access limits and feature availability.

The adjustments underscore the challenges tech companies face when introducing popular new products. As more users flock to these platforms, managing demand while maintaining service quality remains a key concern.