Though it’s become a part of our everyday vernacular in recent years, the cloud is just an extensive collection of data on servers that you can access from all your devices. In iOS, this access takes the form of features like iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Music Library, which upload your photos and songs to the cloud, so they’re accessible anywhere you go.
This is why we bought the new, bigger iPhone, to make room for more photos and songs. And iCloud storage is still a part of this process, as it’s where all your stuff gets stored and retrieved from when you’re not using it on your phone. If you find yourself running out of space often, or if you want to start saving money by buying additional iCloud storage plans (which can be pretty expensive), then read on. We’ll tell you everything there is to know about iCloud storage and how to buy more storage for your device, including how much each plan costs and the differences between them.
iCloud
Back in the days of iOS 5, Apple introduced iCloud to keep your content in sync across all your devices. In 2013 it was expanded into a complete cloud backup service that allows you to store all kinds of things from your Camera Roll and device settings to documents and app data. These days, when you’re setting up a brand new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch just before using it for the first time, you’ll be able to use the setup assistant to either restore from an iCloud backup or set up a new device using a Wi-Fi connection.
If you choose the latter option, then every single thing on your old device will be wiped away and replaced by whatever’s stored in your latest iCloud backup. iCloud backups are like Time Machine for all your iOS devices, allowing you to roll back to the state of your device on any particular date in case something’s gone wrong or if you want to go back and access some information that was there at one point but is no longer.
How much iCloud storage do I get?
Depending on whether you’re using iOS 10, which still makes space for older 5GB plans, or the latest version of the operating system with its vastly increased amount of storage available via 15GB, 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB plans, your device will have a different amount of free iCloud storage out of the box. And while Apple will let you know how much you have left when it says your iCloud account is complete, it doesn’t give you any way to see how much space you’re using.
Though it’s become a part of our everyday vernacular in recent years, the cloud is just an extensive collection of data on servers that you can access from all your devices. In iOS, this access takes the form of features like iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Music Library, which upload your photos and songs to the cloud, so they’re accessible anywhere you go.
How to buy more iCloud storage?
The best thing about iCloud is that you can use it with all your Apple devices. You get 5GB of free storage, but here are a few ways to buy additional iCloud space if you need more space.
Step 1 :
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2 :
Tap on the iCloud option in the list of settings available on your device.
Step 3:
Scroll down and then tap on Storage & Backup.
Step 4:
Now toggle ON the switch “Automatic Downloads.”
After turning this feature ON, you can go ahead and download some extra songs, apps, books, etc., so that they are downloaded directly to your iCloud. It’s also worth noting that once you’ve enabled this option, any songs, apps, etc., you purchase from your iOS device will automatically be saved in your iCloud account.
Step 5:
Now go back to the Home screen and tap on the Settings button again.
Step 6:
Tap on iTunes & App Store.
Step 7:
Scroll down and toggle ON the “Use Cellular Data” option under the WI-FI section.
Now you can download any app or song anytime using this method. This way, you’ll save a lot of storage space on your phone or tablet. You can also buy products from iTunes or App Store by clicking products that are not supported for mobile by Apple, like Google Chrome browser, then choose Open in Safari (this step may vary). A new window appears with an address bar asking for the credit card info. You can use your own iTunes account or use any gift card that has money on it.
Step 8:
Now download the product using the iCloud option, which will be available below Buy/Get button.
Important note:
- If you are worried about someone accessing your account, then remove the payment information from Apple ID by going to https://supportprofile.apple.com/MySupportProfile.do
- You can set up a separate iCloud email address for sharing documents and other files.
- You can also save data for PDF files by downloading them in iBook’s, which will give you the option to download them for offline usage.
The costs of each iCloud plan and the differences between them.
Apple provides three plans:
- Free
- 20 GB for $0.99/month
- 200 GB for $3.99/month
iCloud features:
Features that come with each plan; some are available only on paid plans or top-tier free plans like Family Sharing Group (up to 6 members).
Which iCloud plan should you choose?
The free plan is the best choice for those with no money or those who don’t care about backups, storage space, and other features that come with paid plans.
20 GB vs 200 GB Plans, Price & Features Side-by-Side Comparison
Storage Capacity: 20 GB costs $0.99/month while 200 GB costs $3.99/month, so if your monthly budget is limited, then start with a free plan and buy more storage space when you need it. If your budget allows monthly spending on iCloud, then go with 200 GB because it provides more than four times more extensive storage compared to 20 GB for the same price.
iCloud Features:
All paid plans include the Find My iPhone feature, unlimited backups of data from Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, and Photo Stream. Still, only basic features come with the free plan. Paid plans also include services that help restore your files if your device is lost or broken (Find my iPhone), iWork app suite (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps). Only one family member can be added to the 5 GB family sharing group on the free plan, while six members are allowed on 20 GB and 200 GB plans.
