How to Upgrade and Manage Your iCloud Storage on iPhone (2025 Guide)
Running out of space on iCloud? Can’t back up your photos or data? You’re not alone. Many iPhone users eventually face the dreaded “iCloud Storage Full” warning. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to upgrade and manage your iCloud storage on iPhone, so you never lose important files or miss a backup again.
What Is iCloud Storage?
iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage service that automatically saves your data—including photos, messages, contacts, app data, backups, and more—so you can access it from any Apple device.
By default, Apple gives you 5GB of free storage, which fills up fast. That’s why managing and upgrading your iCloud plan is essential for most users.
How to Check Your iCloud Storage Usage
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap your name at the top (Apple ID)
- Tap iCloud
- You’ll see a bar chart showing used and available storage
- Tap Manage Account Storage to view detailed usage by app or feature
💡 This helps you understand what’s taking up space—whether it’s photos, messages, or backups.
How to Upgrade Your iCloud Storage Plan
To get more space, follow these simple steps:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
- Tap Manage Account Storage or iCloud+
- Tap Upgrade to iCloud+
- Choose a plan:
- 50GB – Great for light users ($0.99/month)
- 200GB – Ideal for families or heavy users ($2.99/month)
- 2TB – Best for pros, creators, or shared family storage ($9.99/month)
- Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or password
✅ Your upgrade applies instantly, and billing goes through your Apple ID payment method.
How to Manage Your iCloud Storage and Free Up Space
Even with a bigger plan, smart management helps you stay organized and save money.
1. Delete Old Backups
- Go to Settings > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups
- Select a device
- Tap Delete Backup for old or unused devices
2. Optimize Photos
- Go to Settings > Photos
- Enable iCloud Photos
- Select Optimize iPhone Storage to save device space while full-resolution images stay in the cloud
3. Clear iCloud Drive Files
- Open the Files app > Tap Browse > iCloud Drive
- Delete files or move them to local storage or another service
4. Manage Messages
- Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages
- Change from “Forever” to 30 Days or 1 Year
- Delete large attachments in message threads
5. Disable Apps You Don’t Need to Sync
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
- Turn off apps that don’t need cloud sync (like Notes or Mail for unused accounts)
Bonus Tip: Share Storage with Family Using iCloud+
With iCloud Family Sharing, you can share one upgraded plan with up to five other family members, each with their own private storage.
To enable:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > iCloud+
- Choose to Share Your Plan
- Invite family members and start managing storage together