Introduction

iCloud is a convenient cloud storage service for saving photos, videos, documents, app data, and more. However, the free 5GB of storage often fills up quickly. Before purchasing additional storage, learn how to efficiently manage your current storage.

Check iCloud Storage Usage

First, check your iCloud storage usage. From the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, select “[User Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage” to see how much space each type of data is using. This will help you identify which areas need optimization.

Manage Photos and Videos

Photos and videos are some of the largest consumers of iCloud storage. Manage them efficiently with the following methods:

1. Optimize iCloud Photos: Select “Optimize iPhone Storage” under “Settings > [User Name] > iCloud > Photos” to reduce the size of photos and videos stored on your device while keeping the high-resolution originals in iCloud.
2. Delete Unnecessary Photos and Videos: Regularly delete unnecessary photos and videos to save storage.
3. Use External Storage: Consider using other cloud storage services like Google Photos or Dropbox to move your photos and videos.

Manage App Data

App data also consumes iCloud storage. Manage it efficiently with the following methods:

1. Delete Unnecessary App Data: Delete unnecessary app data under “Settings > [User Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.”
2. Review Backups: Select the data to back up under “Settings > [User Name] > iCloud > Backup” and turn off backups for unnecessary data.

Manage Emails

iCloud Mail also consumes storage. Manage email data efficiently with the following methods:

1. Delete Unnecessary Emails: Regularly delete unnecessary emails and attachments.
2. Manage Large Attachments: Consider saving large attachments to another cloud storage service.

Manage Messages

iMessage and SMS data also consume iCloud storage. Manage message data efficiently with the following methods:

1. Delete Old Messages: Regularly delete old messages and attachments.
2. Set Message Retention Period: Set a shorter message retention period under “Settings > Messages > Keep Messages.”

Manage iCloud Drive

Files stored in iCloud Drive also consume storage. Manage iCloud Drive data efficiently with the following methods:

1. Delete Unnecessary Files: Regularly delete unnecessary files and folders.
2. Use External Storage: Consider using other cloud storage services to move your files. For example, Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Strongest Plan” offers 50GB of free storage on Rakuten Drive.

Summary

To save iCloud storage space, regular data management and settings review are essential. Combine various methods such as optimizing photos and videos, deleting unnecessary data, and using external storage to efficiently manage your storage. By implementing these methods, you can make the most of your iCloud storage and avoid purchasing additional storage.

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