Quick answer
iCloud storage is most often filled by backups of old devices, large videos, and photos in iCloud Photos. First check what is taking up space in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage, delete unnecessary backups and large attachments, then re-enable backup. If there is still not enough space, temporarily disable some categories or upgrade to a larger plan.
How to recognize the problem
- Message "iCloud Storage Full" or "Not enough iCloud storage"
- iPhone or iPad backup fails for days
- Photos and videos are not syncing between devices
- You cannot save new documents to iCloud Drive
- Notifications that iCloud is almost full
Most common causes
Old device backups
Every iPhone or iPad that has ever been backed up to iCloud leaves a backup that takes up space, even if you no longer use the device.
Photos and videos in iCloud Photos
4K videos and large photo libraries fill up iCloud storage the fastest, especially if storing originals is enabled.
Large attachments in Mail and messages
iCloud Mail and iMessage store attachments and media that can take up several gigabytes if not cleaned up.
Documents and app data backups
Apps that store data in iCloud Drive or iCloud backup can accumulate large files over time.
Sharing an iCloud+ plan with family
If you share an iCloud+ plan, the space used by family members counts toward the shared plan. Shared albums do not count toward iCloud storage.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check what is taking up iCloud storage
Open
Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage. At the top you will see a bar with total storage and a list of categories sorted by size. Note what is taking up the most space before deleting anything. - 2
Delete unnecessary backups of old devices
In
Manage Account Storage, tapBackups. If you see devices you no longer use, tap them and selectDelete Backup. Before deleting, check that you no longer need the data from that device. Do not delete the backup of the device you currently use if you do not have another copy of the data. - 3
Reduce the size of the current device backup
Open
Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Backup. Turn off backup for apps that store data elsewhere (for example, streaming apps or those with their own cloud). Then tapBack Up Nowto check if it goes through. - 4
Free up space in iCloud Photos
If you use iCloud Photos, in
Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photosenable the storage optimization option (on iPhone,Optimize iPhone Storage) so that originals are stored in iCloud and smaller versions on the device. Before deleting, make a copy of important photos on a computer or another service. Then in thePhotosapp, delete unnecessary videos and duplicates, and emptyRecently Deleted. Keep in mind that deleting in iCloud Photos syncs to all devices, and emptyingRecently Deletedis permanent. - 5
Clean up iCloud Drive and attachments
In the
Filesapp, openiCloud Driveand delete old documents, archives, and installation files. Before deleting, check that the files are saved elsewhere because deletion in iCloud Drive syncs to all devices. In theMailapp, if you use iCloud Mail, delete messages with large attachments, and inMessagesdelete old conversations with video and audio content. IfMessages in iCloudis enabled, deletion also syncs to other devices. - 6
Check iCloud+ plan sharing with family
If you share an iCloud+ plan, check in
Familysettings who is using the space and notify members who store large files in the shared plan. Shared albums do not count toward iCloud storage, so deleting them does not free up space. - 7
Re-enable backup and check status
Go back to
Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Backupand make sure iCloud Backup is on. TapBack Up Nowand wait for the process to finish. If it still shows an error, check that Wi-Fi is stable and the device is connected to a charger. - 8
Consider changing your plan or using another service
If you still do not have enough space after cleaning, in
Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Change Storage Planselect a larger plan. As a last resort, you can temporarily disable iCloud Photos and use another service to store photos, but first make a copy on your computer.
If nothing helps: advanced options
If iCloud is still full despite deleting, check whether deleted files ended up in Recently Deleted (in the Photos and Files apps) and empty them only after verifying you no longer need those files. Also, in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage, check the Documents section and delete unnecessary app backups. If you use iCloud Mail with a large number of messages, delete those with attachments over 10 MB. For users with multiple devices, consider backing up to a computer via Finder on Mac or the appropriate Apple app on Windows, and keeping only the most important data in iCloud. Finally, if space is still insufficient, the only permanent solution is a larger plan or moving some data to another cloud service.
How to prevent it
- Check `Manage Account Storage` regularly once a month
- Delete backups of old devices once you verify you no longer need the data
- Enable storage optimization for iCloud Photos
- Occasionally empty `Recently Deleted` in Photos and Files after checking
When to call a professional
If you cannot access your iCloud account, if backup constantly fails with an error, or if you have business data that must not be lost, contact IT support before further steps.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Will deleting a backup lose data from my iPhone?
No, deleting an iCloud backup does not delete data from the device. However, if you do not have another copy, you will lose the ability to restore data if the device breaks or is lost. So first make a backup on your computer.
How much space does an iPhone backup take?
A backup can take from a few hundred megabytes to several tens of gigabytes, depending on the amount of photos, messages, and app data. In `Manage Account Storage > Backups` you can see the exact size for each device.
Can I delete iCloud Photos and keep photos on my iPhone?
Yes, but only if you choose to download a copy to the device before turning it off. If you decline, some photos that exist only in iCloud may be removed from the device. So before turning it off, make a copy on your computer.