Running out of iCloud storage can cause real problems. Key iCloud services stop syncing, which means changes to the likes of Notes and Reminders stay stuck on the device that made them. Uploads such as backups and photos will also stop. And it becomes impossible to send or receive emails from your iCloud address.
The problem is that Apple’s free 5GB tier has never increased, and these days it’s really only enough for the bare essentials, such as syncing your calendar, notes, passwords, and reminders. For anything more, you’ll need iCloud+ – which means paying. But if you’re already paying for iCloud+ and still need more space, you do have options.
The simplest is to move up to a larger iCloud storage tier. Remember that you can share iCloud+ with a family group too. So if several family members are struggling with separate 200GB plans, upgrading to a single shared 2TB one (10x as much) may prove more cost-effective.
The other option is to see what’s using your storage – and make changes accordingly. Open Settings, select your Apple Account and go to iCloud > Storage. After a short wait, explore the provided breakdown. You may be able to remove old device backups or stop iCloud syncing for apps and services you don’t use. Just make sure any data you stop syncing is superfluous to your needs, backed up, or stored elsewhere. Otherwise, losing your device could mean losing that data permanently.
There is one other iCloud+ route. Apple One includes storage. Depending on what services you use, upgrading Apple One can work out better value than buying extra iCloud storage separately. For example, the Apple One Family plan comes with 200GB of iCloud storage. With an additional 2TB iCloud+ plan, you’ll pay $38/£34 per month. But the Apple One Premier plan costs $40/£37 – not much more, and you’d gain Fitness+ and News+. However, you’d end up with 2TB of storage overall rather than 2.2TB. Got that?
Whatever you decide, do something. iCloud is a great way to keep data available across devices and provides backups you can restore from when needed. Freeing up space or upgrading your plan beats services no longer working – or losing a device and no longer having access to some of your most important data at all.