What's the difference between iCloud storage and device storage on your iPhone or iPad?

iCloud storage securely stores your photos, files, notes, and other data in the cloud and keeps it up to date across all your devices that are signed in with the same Apple Account. Device storage is the storage on your Apple device, like your iPhone or iPad.

iCloud storage

To access your content on any device and help optimize your device storage, you can enable iCloud features that use your iCloud storage. You can use iCloud storage to back up your device, keep photos and videos in iCloud Photos so they stay up to date across your devices, and more.

When your iCloud storage is full or almost full, you might get an alert. If you don't get more iCloud storage, the iCloud features that you're using might not stay up to date until you manage your storage or buy more storage.

Learn how to manage iCloud storage

Check the amount of iCloud storage on your iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Settings app, then tap your name.

  2. Tap iCloud to check the amount of iCloud storage that you've used.

  3. Tap Storage or Manage Storage for more details about your iCloud usage.

    iPhone screen showing Manage Storage with icons for Photos, Files, and Backups.

If you want to free up space in iCloud or purchase more iCloud storage:

Device storage

Your Apple device comes with a set amount of storage. The more storage your device has, the more music, apps, photos, and other content your device can store.

If your device storage is full or almost full, you might get an alert. You can check the amount of device storage you've used and, if needed, optimize and manage your storage space.

Learn how to optimize storage space on your iPhone or iPad

Check the amount of device storage on your iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Settings app, then tap General.

  2. Tap iPhone Storage or iPad Storage to check the amount of device storage that you've used.

    iPhone storage settings showing a breakdown of used and available space.

Check your iCloud storage or device storage on your Mac

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