Introduction
With the increasing use of technology, we are generating more and more data every day. As a result, it can be challenging to manage all of this data efficiently, leading to storage issues. That’s where iCloud comes in handy. iCloud is the default cloud storage service offered by Apple. However, considering that we store a large amount of data on our devices, the storage capacity in iCloud can fill up quickly, making it difficult for you to backup your latest data. Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing how to free up storage on iCloud.
5 Simple Steps to Free up iCloud Storage Space
If you want to keep your data safe and secure, then it’s crucial to ensure that your iCloud storage space is well-organized. Here are five simple steps that you can take to free up storage space in your iCloud:
Delete Unnecessary Backups
Sometimes, we have data that is already backed up on our device, making it redundant to keep backup information on iCloud. So, to free up iCloud space, you need to delete such unnecessary backups by following these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device.
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
- Click on “iCloud.”
- Select “Manage Storage.”
- Tap on “Backups.”
- Select the backup that you want to delete.
- Click on “Delete Backup.”
- Confirm your action by selecting “Turn iCloud Backup Off.”
Remove Unused Apps
Another way to free up iCloud space is by getting rid of any unused apps that you no longer need. Here’s how:
- Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
- Select “General.”
- Tap on “iPhone/iPad Storage.”
- Scroll down and select the app you want to delete.
- Click “Delete App”.
- Confirm the deletion by selecting “Delete” again.
Eliminate Old Messages
Messages take up a lot of space on iCloud, especially if you’re someone who receives and sends a lot of images or videos. Get rid of them by following these steps:
- Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
- Select “General.”
- Tap on “iPhone/iPad Storage.”
- Scroll down and select “Messages.”
- Click on “Review Large Attachments.”
- Select the messages you want to delete.
- Click on the “Delete” button to delete them.
Optimize Photo Storage
Photos also take up a lot of space on iCloud, but they don’t have to. Here’s how to optimize the storage:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device.
- Select “Photos.”
- Tap on “Optimize iPhone Storage.”
Manage Email Storage
If you’re using iCloud for email, then you should also try to free up space on your email. You can do this by:
- Opening the Mail app.
- Clicking on “Mailboxes.”
- Clicking on “All Trash” then “Edit.”
- Finally, click “Delete All” to free up space and remove all the emails from the account trash.
Why It’s Important to Free Up Your iCloud Storage and How to Do It
Your iCloud backup is essential, as it keeps your data saved and secure. The more you use your device, the more data you gather, which, in turn, can fill up your iCloud storage. Therefore, it’s crucial to free up iCloud space regularly to avoid any upcoming issues. Below are more detailed instructions and tips on how to free up iCloud storage space:
Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps can help manage your iCloud storage, including:
- Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone
- iMyFone Umate
- Tenorshare iCareFone
- Dr. Fone iOS Data Eraser
More Detailed Instructions and Tips
Below are more tips on how to optimize your iCloud storage and free up space:
- Check your storage on iCloud regularly.
- Remove all unnecessary data and files you no longer need.
- Disable the automatic backup of applications that you don’t use regularly.
- Disable the automatic backup of photos and videos.
iCloud Vs Local Storage: Which Is Right for You?
Both iCloud and local storage have their pros and cons, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this question. The bottom line is that you need to consider what works best for you and your needs. Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons of iCloud vs. local storage:
ICloud Pros:
- Keeps data safe and secured.
- Automatically backups up all data to the cloud.
- Accessible on all devices synced to the same Apple ID.
- Offers 5GB free cloud space that can be expanded for a fee.
ICloud Cons:
- Requires an internet connection to access data.
- May become more expensive as more space is needed.
- Some device limitations, for example, files may not sync to outside platforms.
- May lead to finding duplicates of data if the same files are stored across multiple devices.
Local Storage Pros:
- No internet connection is required to access data.
- Lower priced compared to upgrading iCloud storage.
- Compatible with syncing data to multiple external devices, such as hard drives.
Local Storage Cons:
- Only accessible from the device it was stored on.
- Storage can become full or oversaturated, which may cause lagging or slow performance.
- May become insecure if there is an issue with the hard drive storage or device.
Maximizing Your iCloud Storage as a Photographer
If you’re a photographer, then you might face a unique struggle trying to store your photos in your iCloud storage. Here are some special tips and tricks for photographers:
iCloud Photo Storage Settings
When you want to use iCloud Photo Library to store photos and videos in iCloud, you can choose to optimize storage on your Apple devices. You can choose to download the files or keep them in iCloud without download. To optimize storage, follow the steps below:
- Open “Settings.”
- Click on “Photos.”
- Choose “Optimize [device] Storage.”
Use Photo Editing and Managing Apps
Using apps such as Photoshop Express, ProCam X, Lightroom, and Darkroom can help you quickly edit and manage your images. With these apps, you can quickly clear space in your iCloud storage and keep your photos organized. Some of the best photo editing apps include:
- Canva
- VSCO
- Unfold
- Lightroom
Cleaning Up Your iCloud: The KonMari Method
Are you still having iCloud storage issues, even after implementing the above tips? Try the KonMari method of decluttering:
What Is the KonMari Method of Decluttering?
The KonMari method is a decluttering philosophy that suggests tidying by category and keeping the possessions that bring joy. In the context of freeing up iCloud storage, this means sorting through and deleting content categorically, and then retaining files that are most important and beneficial to you.
Applying the KonMari Method for iCloud Storage
Here are some steps to apply the KonMari method to clean up your iCloud:
- Sort through your files, pictures, videos, and apps to see what files bring you joy and crucial to you?
- Decide which items you no longer need or that no longer work for you.
- Delete those items and move forward with a well-curated iCloud content collection.
5 Hidden Ways to Free Up iCloud Space
Here are some lesser-known tips and tricks that can help free up space on your iCloud storage:
Disable Optimize Mac Storage
If you’re running MacOS Sierra or later on your Mac, you can get rid of old documents by disabling the settings of “Optimize Mac Storage” in your iCloud Drive. This can free up space on your MacBook’s hard drive and on iCloud.
Disable Folders for Notes
If you’re not using your Notes app, it’s time to disable it. You can also delete the folders in Notes that you don’t need and remove any large attachments that you no longer use.
Use Built-in Optimizing Features
You can reduce the photos taken on your iPhone by using the “Optimize Storage” feature found in your iCloud options. This will help adjust your photo resolution to a more manageable size and keep only the latest photos on your device.
Check on Videos
Don’t forget about all the video content you have stored on your device. You can free up storage space by either transferring them to another device or deleting any old video files you no longer need.
Remove Old Messages Attachments
The “Large Attachments” feature in your Apple Messages app helps remove old and unused attachments, such as videos and photos, you no longer need or use. You can free up space on your iCloud storage by getting rid of these files that are no longer essential.
Conclusion
Having enough storage is essential in today’s digital age, and iCloud offers a safe and reliable method to store data. However, as time passes, the growing data on our devices can soon fill up our iCloud storage, making it difficult to back up new and essential data. To ensure proper management of your iCloud storage, implement the tips, tricks, and methods we’ve discussed in this article. Remember to focus on what brings you joy and what is most necessary to you to keep your iCloud storage well-curated, and your devices operating efficiently and effectively.
