Best Way to Manage iCloud Storage on iPhone/iPad/PC/Mac

iCloud is an inherent feature of Apple products and integrates seamlessly with your Apple account. Once you’ve signed up and logged in, you can easily sync your photos, messages, contacts, notes, and more to the iCloud platform with 5GB of free storage. As long as you’re signed in to the same Apple account - whether on your PC or any other iOS devices - accessing your data is a breeze.

However, it’s important to note that Apple only offers 5 GB of free iCloud storage. In an era where data reigns supreme, this allocation tends to fall short for the average user. Therefore, many Apple users are looking for the best way to manage iCloud storage to ensure adequate space and uninterrupted iCloud availability.

Part 1. Best Way to Manage iCloud Storage on Windows PC

If you find that the initial 5 GB of iCloud storage isn’t sufficient for your needs and you’d rather not invest in additional storage space, best way to manage iCloud storage is to utilize the professional and cost-free backup and transfer tool called FoneTool. In addition, iCloud relies on a stable network connection, so you may easily encounter some issues like iCloud Drive not syncing, and more.

FoneTool serves as a good iCloud management tool to help you upload, download, and delete files on your iCloud account. This process grants you the freedom to optimize iCloud storage without any apprehensions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to execute this operation:

Step 1: Download and install FoneTool on your Windows PC.

Step 2: Initiate FoneTool on your PC > Navigate to My iCloud, facilitating a smooth sign-in using your Apple ID to access the Manage iCloud section.

Step 3: Interact with each icon for file management such as upload, download, or delete > Confirm your desired action by clicking the corresponding button.

Part 2. How to Free up iCloud Storage Space on iPhone/iPad

If you find that your iCloud storage has reached its capacity, the most straightforward method is to upgrade your iCloud storage. However, if you don’t like the idea of spending money on additional iCloud storage, there are a number of alternative ways to free up space on your iCloud to secure space for new data.

Way 1. Delete Redundant iCloud Data

iCloud serves as a reliable safeguard for various iPhone data, encompassing photos, messages, emails, and more. However, certain data may no longer hold relevance or necessity. To alleviate iCloud storage congestion, consider pruning this superfluous information from your device. Here is how to manage iCloud storage by deleting some unnecessary data:

Step 1: Access Settings on your device > Tap Apple ID [Your Name] > iCloud. Within the iCloud settings, select Manage Storage.

Step 2: Within the Manage Storage section, examine the data backups. Identify items consuming substantial space, like Photos, and proceed to Disable & Delete to free up storage capacity.

Way 2. Clear Out Outdated iCloud Backups

A prudent way to manage your iCloud storage is to remove outdated backups from previous devices, retaining only those that remain essential. This method has proven its worth among many users. Here’s the process for how to manage iCloud storage on iPhone/iPad:

Step 1: Start by opening the Settings app, then navigate to your Apple ID, and select iCloud > Inside the iCloud settings, find and choose Manage Storage.

Step 2: Access the Backups category > Identify and delete any old iCloud backups that are no longer relevant, preserving only those of immediate importance.

Way 3. Streamline iCloud Drive

iCloud holds a lot of data, some of which may go unnoticed. However, without regular maintenance, this digital treasure trove can quickly deplete your iCloud storage. In addition to the more obvious photos and messages, iCloud Drive stores a variety of file types, including Word documents, PDFs, etc.. Here’s how to manage iCloud storage on iPad/iPhone via iCloud Drive:

Step 1: Locate and open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad > Tap Browse and select iCloud Drive.

Step 2: To free up space, tap and hold any file within the specified folders that you no longer require, and select Delete.

Part 3. How to Free up iCloud Storage Space on PC and Mac

Moreover, in your quest to manage iCloud storage on your iPhone or iPad, the convenience of achieving this goal via your PC or Mac can offer a more intuitive option. Let’s explore how to manage iCloud storage on Windows PC and Mac:

On PC:

Step 1: Log into your Apple ID via your preferred web browser and visit icloud.com > Input your Apple ID credentials, select Allow on your iPhone, and then enter the verification code on your PC.

Step 2: With successful login, select one of the options displayed, such as Photos > Identify and deselect unwanted or duplicate photos, and proceed to delete them.

On Mac:

Step 1: Access the Mac Dock and launch System Preferences > Click your Apple ID and sign in if requested.

Step 2: Click Manage... in the lower-right corner of the window > Select Backups from the left-hand menu and choose the backup you wish to remove.

Step 3: Click the Delete icon situated at the bottom left of the pane > When the confirmation prompt appears, select Delete once more.

Bonus: Alternative Way to Backup iPhone Without iCloud

If there is not enough iCloud storage space, it’s highly recommended to use FoneTool to make a backup of your iPhone. Follow the simple steps below:

Step 1: Run FoneTool on your PC and navigate to the Phone Backup section > Select Selective Backup and initiate the process by clicking Get Started.

Step 2: Click the boxes (such as Videos, Contacts, etc.) corresponding to the data you wish to back up > Upon making your selections, click OK.

Step 3: Click Backup Storage Path to specify a destination for backup files > Execute the backup by clicking Start Backup, and within a matter of seconds, your data will be securely stored on your computer.

The Bottom Line

This post has compiled various methods for efficiently managing your iCloud storage, whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, PC, or Mac. However, if you don’t want to buy more iCloud storage space or lose any files, the best way to manage iCloud storage is to use FoneTool. It is also the best way to free up iCloud storage by backing up and transferring your iCloud data to a PC or external hard drive. Try it out!