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 them up to date across all of your devices that are signed in with the same Apple Account. Device storage is the storage on your Apple device, such as your iPhone or iPad.

iCloud storage

To access your content on any device and help optimise 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 may receive an alert. If you don’t get more iCloud storage, the iCloud features you’re using may not stay up to date until you’ve managed your storage or bought more storage.

Find out how to manage iCloud storage

Check the amount of iCloud storage on your iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app, then tap your name.
Tap iCloud to check the amount of iCloud storage you’ve used.
Tap Storage or Manage Storage for more details about your iCloud usage.

iPhone screen showing the amount of iCloud storage you’ve used.

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 may receive an alert. You can check the amount of device storage you’ve used and, if needed, optimise and manage your storage space.

Find out how to optimise storage space on your iPhone or iPad