Five tips for managing your iCloud storage space

Apple dituduh menyimpan data iCloud di server eksternal

ICloud is Apple’s cloud storage service that syncs backups and user data. The files are accessible via computers running macOS or Windows, on iPhones and other devices that have an Internet connection. Free space is limited and has only 5GB to store photos, videos and documents. See five tips for managing and freeing space on iCloud.

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1 of 6 How to manage your iCloud storage space – Photo: Disclosure / Apple

How to manage your iCloud storage space – Photo: Disclosure / Apple

ICloud Drive is the function that synchronizes your files and performs backups between computers and Apple devices. The storage service can be configured on macOS or installed on Windows PCs.

2 of 6 Use iCloud Drive on macOS or Windows to manage files and storage – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

Use iCloud Drive on macOS or Windows to manage files and storage – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

It is possible to download, send or delete photos, videos and documents through the computer, as long as it is connected to the Internet. There are options to manage what type of file the user wants to insert in the cloud and check the space used by each application. The files appear on all iCloud devices or through the iCloud.com website.

2. Organize files through iCloud.com

On the official website of iCloud.com you have access to all your files that have gone up to the cloud through iCloud Drive. To use, simply enter your Apple ID and browse through the options available on the tool’s screen.

3 of 6 Access your cloud files on iCloud.com – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

Access your cloud files on iCloud.com – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

You can upload photos using your computer, restore deleted files and use the Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps to create texts, spreadsheets and presentations. In addition to facilitating the creation of documents, the integration offers a virtual and free desktop for the user.

3. Do you need space? Erase backups and files

Despite the practicality, the service does not make it so clear what is being saved online. ICloud can be a hand in the wheel when the user needs space on the cell phone, however, it can fill up quickly with the constant synchronization of photos and applications from iPhone or macOS.

4 of 6 You can delete old iCloud backups from your computer – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

You can delete old iCloud backups from your computer – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

If you need space on iCloud, first find out what apps and data are taking up storage. Another tip is to delete old backups generated automatically by the system, cell phone or computer, or delete files that are on your iCloud Drive.

Disabling Whatsapp’s online backup will also guarantee extra space. If you still receive the message that iCloud is full, it is possible that the photo library is the cause of the problem.

4. Configure the iCloud Photo Library

The iCloud Photo Library allows the user to access their photos via cell phone or computer. Syncing images and videos can save several gigabytes on your iPhone and macOS, however, it quickly fills the free space of the cloud. Disabling photo sharing will prevent the system from making another file backup.

5 of 6 Disable PC photo sharing to save space on iCloud – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

Disable PC photo sharing to save space on iCloud – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

On iCloud Drive, disable the «iCloud Photo Library» option to prevent photos from your computer from being stored online. It is worth mentioning that these two options help free up space in the cloud and not on the mobile phone.

5. Change the iCloud plan

If your photos and documents are important and cannot be deleted, you have the option to expand your iCloud plan. Apple offers a series of monthly subscription plans that go beyond the initial 5GB limit.

The user can hire 50 GB at US $ 0.99 (about R $ 3.15), 200GB at US $ 2.99 (about R $ 9.50) and 2TB for US $ 9.99 (about R $ 31.70). The service does not support the Brazilian currency. The amounts are charged in dollars.

6 of 6 Change the iCloud storage plan to have more space – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

Change the iCloud storage plan to have more space – Photo: Reproduction / Tais Carvalho

Update the plan on your cell phone or via iCloud Drive for your computer, by clicking on «Storage» and «Change Storage Plan». You can cancel at any time.

According to Apple, if you downgrade or cancel your storage plan and the content you keep on iCloud exceeds the available storage, new photos and videos will not be uploaded to the iCloud Photo Library, files will not be uploaded will be done more on iCloud Drive and your iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) will not be backed up anymore.

If you downgrade to the free plan, you will have 5 GB of storage.