How To Check iCloud Storage Limit Used & Best Ways To Free Up Space

How To Check iCloud Storage Limit Used & Best Ways To Free Up Space

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iCloud, the default cloud storage for iPhone and Mac devices includes 5GB for free. Here’s how to check usage and clear space when running low.

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How To Check iCloud Storage Limit Used & Best Ways To Free Up Space

For anyone that owns an Apple device, iCloud is the default, built-in cloud storage service. While other cloud storage solutions can be used, the convenience of using iCloud can’t be denied. While checking iCloud storage is an important and relatively easy task, when more space is needed, cleaning up unnecessary files is not as easy. Here’s how to check iCloud usage and some tips on the best ways to free up space.

Apple launched its cloud-based storage and syncing service, iCloud, in 2011, replacing the paid subscription service MobileMe. This was in response to the growing number of free cloud services, led by Dropbox. Since iOS devices originally did not allow physical connection to external storage, a cloud service was necessary. iCloud goes beyond mere storage by backing up and syncing preferences and other hidden data, giving the Apple service an advantage with its user base over other cloud storage services.

Apple includes five-gigabytes of storage on iCloud for free. Some users will exceed this quickly and simply buying more iCloud storage space may be the best solution for many. However, free users may wish to keep under the 5GB limit and paid subscribers may want to stay at a lower cost tier. To see the current storage used on iCloud, simply open the Settings app, select the first item, which shows the owner’s name and has a subheading of iCloud. A new screen opens, then select iCloud. A colorful, horizontally stacked bar indicates what type of data is using up space. If the bar is near full, there are 2 options: pay more for an iCloud subscription with more storage or clear some space.

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How To Clear iCloud Storage Space

Each color indicates a different type of data and some are easier to clear than others, depending on the user’s needs. Photos and videos often use the most space. If photos and videos can be stored on a computer, external drive, social media or other cloud service, they can be deleted. This is done via the Photos app. Deleting photos and videos in the Photos app automatically deletes them from iCloud as well. Note that if photos and videos are backed up in other cloud services or social media, the resolution may be reduced. For example, Google Photos allows free unlimited storage of photos and videos, but reduces quality in the free tier to 16-megapixels for photos and 1080p for videos. This may be perfectly fine for casual users, but photo, video and print professionals may require full resolution.

Backups are a bit trickier. This represents online copies of selected portions of data stored on the user’s Apple devices. This primarily includes app specific data, but also stores device preferences, such as home screen layout and ringtones. A surprising amount of space can be taken up by backups depending on the apps used, so consider backing up to a computer via iTunes, if possible, then delete and switch off Backups. This is done by selecting Manage Storage below the color bar, then selecting Backups, the device that needs space cleared and finally choose Delete Backup. Or switch off backups for the apps that include their own cloud storage. For example, Google apps will be backed up by Google and accessible anywhere the user signs in with a Google account. Allowing an iCloud backup for an app that handles its own backup storage is unnecessary, wastes resources and possibly, money. On MacOS devices, iCloud backups can be accessed by going to the Apple menu, selecting System Preferences, then Apple ID, then clicking iCloud. Apple Watch backups are handled via the iPhone.

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iCloud also stores Documents and Messages. If certain apps are using large amounts of iCloud storage, those documents and messages can be viewed in their specific app. Any documents that are no longer needed, can be deleted or backed up elsewhere and then deleted. The cost of external storage is minimal and having a one-time fee instead of an ongoing bill from an iCloud subscription is nice. External storage is accessed via the Files app. After clearing space, the iCloud storage may not show the reduction immediately, but will after the next iCloud backup. To force the backup process to happen sooner, go to the iCloud Settings page, then find and select iCloud Backup and choose Backup now. Of course, the paid subscription option is always there and quite affordable. With so many choices available, it is wise to choose monthly subscription services carefully. Even a few dollars spread across scores of subscriptions will begin to make a substantial impact on the monthly budget, whether it’s for Apple storage or any other cloud-based service.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/apple-icloud-iphone-mac-storage-limits-free-space/

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