Save iCloud Space: Optimize Backup & Avoid Storage Fees
Managing iCloud Storage for iPhones and iPads
iPhones and iPads are designed to automatically create backups to Apple’s iCloud service. However, the free storage allocation provided by Apple with iCloud is limited to just 5GB.
For users wishing to continue utilizing iCloud backups without incurring monthly subscription costs, several strategies can be employed.
Understanding iCloud Storage Consumption
The majority of users typically reach their iCloud storage capacity due to the automatic syncing of photos through iCloud Photo Library. This feature continuously uploads images to the cloud.
Additionally, backups originating from previously used iPhones and iPads can significantly contribute to storage usage, particularly if these older backups are not periodically removed.
Strategies for Optimizing iCloud Storage
- Manage Photo Library: Regularly review and delete unnecessary photos and videos from iCloud Photo Library.
- Delete Old Backups: Remove backups from devices you no longer use or have already replaced.
- Selective Backup: Consider excluding certain data types from your iCloud backup, such as large app files, if feasible.
By implementing these techniques, you can effectively manage your iCloud storage and avoid the need for a paid subscription while still benefiting from the convenience of automatic backups.
Maintaining sufficient storage space ensures your device data remains safely backed up to the cloud.
Liberate Your Photos from iCloud!
For many users, photos represent the primary consumer of iCloud storage. Apple’s iCloud Photo Library feature, when activated, automatically creates a backup of every captured image within the iCloud environment. This includes full backups of live photos, which consume significantly more storage capacity.
Video recordings are also included in these backups. Apple provides no preferential treatment regarding photo storage; each image contributes to the allocated 5GB of space, shared across all iCloud-stored data. While iCloud Photo Library offers convenience, it frequently necessitates upgrading to a paid iCloud storage plan.
However, relinquishing the benefits of online photo backups isn’t necessary. A viable alternative is to discontinue using iCloud Photo Library and adopt a different service. Google Photos provides unlimited storage for photos, provided a slight compression to “high quality” is acceptable.
Furthermore, Google Photos now supports live photos. Other photo storage applications, such as Flickr, are available, but Google Photos is our strongest recommendation. Its accessibility via web browsers and a dedicated Android application enhances its cross-platform compatibility, unlike Apple’s proprietary solution.
Switching to Google Photos
To initiate photo backups with Google Photos, download and install the application. Then, activate the “Back up & sync” setting. Configure the app to upload your photos using the “High quality (free unlimited storage)” option.
The application’s Assistant screen will display the upload progress, and your photos will be accessible through the web interface.
Managing iCloud Storage: Reclaiming Valuable Space
Accessing your iCloud settings is straightforward. Simply launch the Settings application and select “iCloud.” Navigate to the “Backup” section to verify that iCloud Backup is enabled on your current device.
For a comprehensive overview, tap “Storage” within the iCloud settings, then select “Manage Storage.” This displays your available storage and a detailed breakdown of iCloud usage, assisting you in identifying items for deletion.
Disabling and Removing iCloud Photo Library
Should you utilize an alternative photo storage solution like Google Photos, consider disabling iCloud Photo Library. Select “iCloud Photo Library” under the Photos section and choose "Disable and Delete." This action will remove your photos from Apple’s servers and deactivate the service. Ensure your photos are fully backed up elsewhere before proceeding.
Deleting Old Backups and Excluding Apps
Related: Understanding iPhone and iPad Backup Procedures
The Backups section often presents significant opportunities for space recovery. A list of all devices backed up to iCloud is displayed here. You might find backups from previously used devices, such as older iPhones or iPads you no longer possess. If located, tap the device and then “Delete Backup” to remove the associated backup data.
Selecting the backup for your current device—labeled as “This iPhone” or “This iPad”—allows for further management. This screen details the storage space consumed by each app’s data within your backup. You can prevent an app’s data from being backed up, potentially saving space. Not all apps require iCloud backups; for instance, data from apps like Netflix is stored on their servers and doesn’t necessarily need to be included in your iCloud backup.
To adjust app backup settings on other devices, you must access this screen directly on those devices. The storage will not be immediately freed, but subsequent backups will be smaller in size.
Managing Space Used by Documents and Data
Related: Utilizing iCloud Drive on Your iPhone or iPad
The amount of space utilized by “Documents & Data” can also be reviewed from this location. Applications frequently store settings, created documents, and game saves within iCloud to facilitate synchronization across your devices. Deleting unnecessary documents or unused applications can reclaim storage space.
A list of applications will be presented. The “Other Documents” entry contains personal documents stored in iCloud Drive. Some entries may correspond to macOS applications rather than iOS apps.
To free up space, select an application and tap “Edit.” You can then choose to delete all its data from iCloud storage or selectively remove individual documents.
If an application consumes substantial iCloud space and you wish to retain its syncing capabilities, explore alternative solutions. The application might offer another syncing method, such as Dropbox, or you could switch to an alternative app with a smaller iCloud storage footprint.
Minimizing iCloud Usage for Email
If you utilize iCloud for email, a “Mail” entry will appear at the bottom of the iCloud storage screen. Emails, including attachments, contribute to your iCloud storage usage and count against the free 5GB allowance.
To recover space, open the Mail app and delete emails from your iCloud Mail account. Messages with large attachments typically consume the most space, so prioritize their deletion. Remember to empty your trash afterwards.
This applies only if you are using an @icloud.com email address. If you use Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo! Mail, or another email provider, your emails do not consume iCloud storage.
If you are low on space and using iCloud for email, consider switching to a different email service. Google’s Gmail, for example, offers 15GB of free storage shared between Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
Apple’s storage allocation can be restrictive. While some suggestions may not be ideal, making certain sacrifices is necessary to avoid additional storage costs. Prioritize the services that are most important to you and consider alternatives for those less critical. For example, switching to Google Photos for photo backups can provide a cost-effective solution.