iCloud was introduced by Apple in October 2011 and is available across all Apple devices, including Macs and iPhones. The main purpose of a cloud storage and computing service is to store your most important files remotely, including documents, photos, and music.
Over the years, iCloud has grown to include other features beyond traditional storage and backup. Each, when activated, adds to the amount of iCloud space necessary to cover your needs. iCloud account comes with 5GB of free cloud storage. This is not nearly enough for most users, which means you may need to purchase a paid account.
iCloud pricing options
Apple offers a limited number of paid iCloud options (now called iCloud +). Some plans let you share data with members of your Apple family. Current plans include:
- Free: 5 GB of storage per iCloud account (not per device)
- $0.99 per month: 50 GB of storage (1 user)
- $2.99 per month: 200 GB of storage (for family use)
- $9.99 per month: 2TB of storage (for family use)
If you buy the $22.95 per month Apple One Family plan (Opens in a new tab)You receive 200 GB of iCloud storage as part of your membership. The $32.95 per month Apple One Premier plan comes with 2TB of iCloud storage.
What is stored in iCloud?
By default, the following information is stored in iCloud:
- iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch backups
- Desktop and Document Sync for macOS
- App data stored in iCloud
- Contacts, Calendar, Mail, Notes, and Reminders
- Photos and videos stored in iCloud Photo Library
- Any songs uploaded to your iCloud Music Library
- iCloud Drive files
iCloud settings
You can adjust iCloud settings on your Mac or iOS device. Changes are migrated to any device that’s signed in to the same iCloud account when applicable.
On a Mac, go to System Preferences and then choose Apple ID in the upper left. Switch to “iCloud” in the left menu. Toggle on/off the apps and services for which you want to store documents and other items in iCloud.
To make iCloud changes on your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings app, then choose your name at the top of the page. Click on iCloud. Toggle on/off the apps and services for which you want to store documents and other items in iCloud.
On mobile devices only, you can also toggle iCloud Backup on/off. When activated, iCloud will automatically back up your device every night whenever it’s locked and charged. You can use this backup to restore your current or new device. Currently, iCloud does not back up Mac files in a similar manner.
How much storage are you using?
On both Mac and mobile, you can see how much iCloud storage you currently use and how. On a Mac, go to System Preferences and then choose Apple ID in the upper left. Click on “iCloud” in the left menu. You’ll see a chart showing how much storage space is being used on the right. Click “Manage” next to the chart to see additional information and quickly make changes. From this screen, you can turn off the app’s files, review family settings, and more. You can also change your iCloud plan from this screen.
To review your iCloud storage settings on your iPhone and iPad, go to the Settings app, then choose your name at the top of the page. Click “iCloud,” then “Manage Storage.” From here, you can see details of your iCloud usage, change plans, and more.
Save storage space
To save iCloud storage space, maintenance should be done on a regular schedule. For example, be sure to check your iCloud settings and content when you change clocks twice a year.
The biggest space hogs are device backups. Review the list of backups and delete the ones you no longer need. Specifically, find and delete old hardware backups. Additionally, take a look at the app backups. If you find out about apps content you no longer have, delete it and free up space.
Before you delete anything from iCloud, make sure you won’t need it again. Once you delete it from iCloud, it’s gone forever.