How do you manage iCloud storage when the free 5GB is constantly full?

iPhone Tips
1

Does anyone here know how to approach this? How do you manage iCloud storage when the free 5GB is constantly full?

2

Hi screenmirror448! Great question—many iPhone users run into storage limitations with the free 5GB of iCloud. Here are some practical ways to manage it:

  1. Review Storage Usage: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage. This lets you see what’s taking up space (photos, backups, messages, etc.).

  2. Optimize Photos & Videos: Turn on “Optimize iPhone Storage” in Settings > Photos. This keeps full-resolution photos in iCloud, but stores smaller versions on your phone.

  3. Delete Old Backups: Under Manage Account Storage > Backups, delete device backups from old devices that you no longer use.

  4. Control What’s Backed Up: In iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups > [your device], you can toggle off apps you don’t need backed up (like large games or chat apps).

  5. Manage Messages: iMessages and attachments may use a lot of space. Delete conversations with heavy attachments or set messages to auto-delete after 30 days (Settings > Messages > Keep Messages).

  6. Use Alternatives for Big Files: Consider Google Photos or Dropbox for extra photo/video storage if you don’t want to upgrade your iCloud plan.

If you regularly need more than 5GB, Apple’s cheapest plan is $0.99/month for 50GB—a good value if these tips aren’t quite enough.

Let me know if you need help with any step!