My iCloud storage is full. How can I free up some space?
I've hit the limit on my iCloud storage and need to free up some space. How do I clean out my iCloud storage? I feel like my storage fills up a lot faster than it should be filling up, so any tips on how to maximize my space, store things more efficiently, or otherwise keep my storage from filling up so fast would be great. Thanks!
I like to keep all of my data backed up on a hard drive or another cloud service, like Google Drive or Dropbox. That way, I can clear out old notes and pictures from my phone, but I still have them saved somewhere I can easily access them. Plus, having a couple backups gives me some peace of mind if something goes wrong.
I think all my pictures are taking up the most space on my iCloud, but I'm really not sure. Is there any way to check?
I think all my pictures are taking up the most space on my iCloud, but I'm really not sure. Is there any way to check?
To check your iCloud storage on iPhone, you go to your settings app, and then you will click on your Apple ID account located on the very top. And then you scroll down to iCloud. And then you'll be able to see Manage Storage there. Under Manage Storage, you'll actually get a nice breakdown of where your data is and you'll be able to delete from there. You can see where all your data is located and get a nice breakdown of how many gigabytes it's taking up.
Thanks! Another couple questions—Is there anything I should be careful about when clearing and deleting things from my iCloud storage? Also, how do I keep my iCloud storage from filling up so quickly?
I'd double check which apps sync to the Cloud. There might be some you really don't need a backup of, if they're just for fun. You can turn syncing off app by app.
A common mistake that occurs when dealing with iCloud is accidentally deleting things you didn't mean to. iCloud syncs many things such as messages, photos, contacts, and much more. Deleting certain content from one phone may delete it from your other device on the same iCloud account. Make sure to back up all the data you want in iCloud by going to settings, navigating to iCloud and toggling everything you want on, otherwise certain data will be left out.
Usually photos and videos that have been synced over from your other iCloud devices take the most space on your iDevice. You can stop the iPad from syncing photos and videos. If you notice your storage is being taken up by a large section called other this is an issue where appdata, cookies, and cache are taking too much storage and old files are not being cleaned by the operating system properly. In order to fix this you may backup your device to either iCloud or iTunes. Then reset your device completely. Then restore the backup you just made. Contrary to popular belief, iTunes and iCloud backups do not restore all software issues to the device. Many of the critical operating system files are reset while your data is maintained.
Usually photos and videos that have been synced over from your other iCloud devices take the most space on your iDevice. You can stop the iPad from syncing photos and videos. If you notice your storage is being taken up by a large section called other this is an issue where appdata, cookies, and cache are taking too much storage and old files are not being cleaned by the operating system properly. In order to fix this you may backup your device to either iCloud or iTunes. Then reset your device completely. Then restore the backup you just made. Contrary to popular belief, iTunes and iCloud backups do not restore all software issues to the device. Many of the critical operating system files are reset while your data is maintained.
If all your Apple devises are backing up to the cloud, I recommend getting yourself a HDD or SSD to back up your files instead. This is what I did after realizing my cloud was basically full because it was synced to all my devises. It'll take up way less space in the cloud but you'll still have copies of everything you do.
Yes, this is what we do, too - you can hook it up to your home network and the web, so you can still access the files from anywhere. They're just located physically on your drive at home, rather than just in the cloud.
A huge storage issue for me is the non-stop photos and videos that friends and I share in Messages/group chats. Because I back up Messages to iCloud, they take up tons of room there, too. I have to fairly regularly go in and delete them - either manually from the chats or by going to "Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages." That will list Top Convos, Photos, Videos, etc, and you can delete from there to save space both on your phone and iCloud.
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Reader Tips from How to Use iCloud Storage
If your iCloud storage fills up, try deleting older backups from your previous phones or delete old messages that you don't need anymore.
You can share your iCloud with other people if you need to give someone access to important documents or pictures.
You can always upgrade your iCloud storage so you have more space and room to back up your information.
Reader Tips from Easily Access iCloud on iPhone, Mac, PC, Android, & More
When your iCloud storage starts filling up, check your Settings to see what's taking up the most space and delete any old files you don't need anymore.
Use another backup service like Google Drive or Dropbox in addition to iCloud so you have multiple copies of your files.
Reader Tips from 3 Simple Ways to Delete Apps from iCloud
Try using a third-party service like AppCleaner to get rid of any hidden data left behind from an app.
Be sure to unselect the app you're deleting data from in iCloud so it doesn't try to backup again.
