When you create an iCloud account you get 5 GB of free online storage space. This is sufficient for synchronizing data and settings, but if you also store your photos and files in iCloud, this will soon be insufficient.
Many iPhone and Mac users are disappointed that Apple does not provide 5 GB per device. If you own an iPhone, iPad and Mac, you currently only get 5 GB of free storage space. Fortunately, the subscriptions are not expensive, but which ones do you need and what are the options?
What do you need iCloud storage for?
The online storage space in iCloud can be used for various purposes. By default, this syncs all data with your devices and ensures that a backup is kept. This means you cannot read important data and you can immediately transfer it to a new device. Examples of data include: contacts, reminders, appointments, bookmarks, settings, personal data and more.
You can also use iCloud to store your photos and files. This includes notes, emails, messages, photos, videos and more. This is done with iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive, among others. The main purpose is the backups: a complete backup of your iPhone or iPad. The online storage service is so fundamental that almost the entire Apple ecosystem revolves around it, which mainly offers advantages.
Pay for iCloud storage
Before you consider expanding your iCloud storage, it’s good to know how to pay for this storage. The easiest way is to link your credit card, Paypal or telephone subscription to your account, but it is also possible to pay for your iCloud via iDeal, Bancontact or iTunes credit. You can change your payment details on an iPhone or iPad via Settings â–¸ your name â–¸ Payment and shipping â–¸ Payment method. On a Mac you do this via  â–¸ System settings / system preferences â–¸ Apple Account â–¸ Payment and shipping.
Check your current iCloud storage
It’s very easy to find out how much iCloud storage space you’re currently using. To do this, go to Settings â–¸ your name â–¸ iCloud on an iPhone or iPad and on a Mac via  â–¸ System settings / preferences â–¸ Apple Account â–¸ iCloud. You will then find a colored bar that shows your current consumption. If you notice that it is (almost) full, you can do two things. Free up storage space or buy extra space with a subscription.
Buy iCloud storage plan
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your name at the top
- Navigate to iCloud
- Tap on ‘(Manage) Storage’
- Select ‘Change storage plan’
- Choose a desired subscription
If you still have iOS 10.2.1 or earlier, you can adjust this via Settings â–¸ iCloud â–¸ Storage â–¸ Change storage subscription
On a Mac you do this via  â–¸ System settings/preferences â–¸ (Apple account) â–¸ iCloud â–¸ Manage Storage â–¸ change storage subscription. You can then choose from various upgrades, and we will explain which one is best for you below. If you want to downgrade and therefore use less storage, choose the option ‘Downgrade options‘.
How much iCloud storage do I need?
It’s always difficult to determine for someone else how much iCloud storage space you need. It all depends on whether you plan to keep all your documents, photos, videos, and files in iCloud. The larger this number is, the more storage space you need. We personally believe that it is best to start with a smaller subscription and when you notice that it is starting to fill up, you take out a larger version again. Otherwise, you’ll pay more for storage space that you don’t use. Below we briefly explain the options.
5 GB of free storage space
This storage space is fine if you only want to sync your data and keep only one backup in iCloud. There is hardly any space for photos, videos and files.
50 GB storage space
The most popular plan with enough storage space for your data, backups, photos, videos and files. Most interesting if you have multiple Apple devices and want to use iCloud photos and iCloud Drive. Mainly intended for home, garden and kitchen use.
200 GB storage space
More storage space for a small monthly price, especially if you have a medium-sized photo library and want to store your files in iCloud. Mainly used by self-employed entrepreneurs or people who own many files. This subscription is also chosen by families because it can be shared.
2 TB of storage space
Ideal storage subscription for heavy users. This subscription is mainly chosen if you need to store large photo libraries and files. Families also sometimes choose this subscription because it can be shared with all family members.
6 TB and 12 TB storage space
The largest storage options Apple offers. These are mainly intended for content creators, such as photographers, vloggers and app developers. Companies and large families also choose this storage so that all their files and data can be kept online.
Apple One: Extra affordable
Apple One is one all-in-one subscription that bundles four Apple services. It’s the easiest way to enjoy all your favorite Apple services for one discounted price. The bundles consist of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and iCloud and are available in the Netherlands and Belgium in two variants: Individual and Family.
The iCloud storage differs per subscription, for example the individual subscription contains 50 GB of storage, the family subscription 200 GB. In the article below you can read how you can take out an Apple One subscription.
Does not provide additional physical storage space
Unfortunately, iCloud storage is not an extension of the internal storage memory of an iPhone, iPad or Mac. In short, iCloud doesn’t let you expand storage. The entire file remains on your device and a copy of it is saved, so when you change something, iOS and macOS will also change it in iCloud.
iCloud is used as a backup and ensures that you cannot lose any files and that they are synchronized with all your (new) devices. However, you can use iCloud to a limited extent to free up storage space on your device by optimizing libraries.