I’ve run out of iCloud storage on my device and need more space for backups and photos. I’m unfamiliar with the process to purchase additional storage. Could someone guide me on how to do this, including any settings I need to adjust or steps to follow?
Go to your Settings app (the gear icon thingy), tap your name at the top, and then hit ‘iCloud.’ From there, select ‘Manage Storage’ or ‘iCloud Storage’ (depends on witch version of iOS you’re running). You should see an option to ‘Buy More Storage’ or ‘Change Storage Plan.’ Tap that, choose the storage amount you want—50GB, 200GB, or 2TB—and follow the payment steps. BOOM, done.
Btw, before you splurge on more storage, maybe check if there’s junk clogging up your iCloud. Sometimes, old backups, duplicate photos, or unused apps are the real culprits. If you’re like me and don’t love scrolling through a million files, try this simple app for cleanup. It helps tidy up your iPhone storage fast without any headaches.
But yeah, if you’re a photo hoarder, eventually you’ll probably need that sweet 2TB upgrade anyway. Apple wins again! 
You know, I’ll be honest, I’ve always felt Apple’s whole “pay for more iCloud storage” thing is basically a cash cow for them because who doesn’t run out of space? They give you 5GB for free, which barely fits more than a few photos these days. Ugh.
But anyway, if you really wanna buy more iCloud storage (because, let’s face it, we’re kinda stuck with it), here’s an alternate trick you could consider instead of just following @kakeru’s method:
- Make sure you’re logged into the correct Apple ID (you wouldn’t believe how many folks I know using multiple Apple accounts and wondering what happened to their photos).
- Open the Settings app. Scroll down, look for your name/profile pic thingy at the top, tap that.
- Choose iCloud, then Subscriptions, if you see it. You might land directly in the storage options if you’re lucky. Then hit “Upgrade Storage Plan.”
- Choose the new storage amount depending on how deep your pockets are (50GB is like $1 a month, but realistically go for 200GB if you take tons of pics). Apple Pay will likely make this super easy to pay. No drama there.
But before throwing money at Apple, ask yourself this: Do you really need more storage, or is your phone like mine and holding onto random screenshots, memes, and blurry concert photos from 2014? 
Seriously, I cleaned up a TON of space just by deleting old junk. I’d recommend taking a look at something like an app that automates these cleanups. So much faster than manually scrolling through 12,000 photos.
One other thing—I know some people use family-sharing plans and basically offload storage to someone else in their household. If you’ve got family in your plan, don’t forget to check and see if you’re already pooled into a larger shared cloud setup before upgrading individually. No sense paying twice for the same service. 
That said, if you’re a hardcore photo hoarder or someone backing up multiple devices, yeah, the larger plans (like 2TB) are probably necessary. But for the record, sometimes I think Apple secretly makes things bloatier on purpose just to sell us more storage. Feels like a trap, doesn’t it? 
2 Likes
Alright, so here’s another angle to consider if you’re dealing with iCloud storage woes. While @viajantedoceu and @kakeru already offered step-by-step guides, can we just talk about why everyone defaults to Apple’s plans? Here’s a thought—have you checked Google One or Dropbox as alternatives instead? They often come cheaper and work across multiple ecosystems if you’re juggling more than just Apple devices. Something like Google One’s 100GB plan might be a good fit if you’re into cross-platform syncing.
That said, if you’re sticking with Apple (which is understandable because of the convenience), buying more iCloud storage isn’t too complicated. What I’d suggest is this: before even buying extra storage, take a moment to evaluate what’s actually in your iCloud. I mean, how many of us are carting around ten versions of the same Starbucks receipt screenshot or blurry memes from five years ago? Apps like Clever Cleaner for iPhone can help with this. The pros? Super user-friendly AI cleanup, and it targets duplicates and clutter fast. The cons? It’s mainly focused on iOS devices, so if you’re also dealing with files on a Mac, it won’t cover those.
Now, here’s one thing @kakeru didn’t highlight enough: family sharing plans. If you’ve got others on an Apple Family Plan, upgrading to a 200GB or 2TB shared storage plan can literally spread the cost while everyone benefits. Way more wallet-friendly, especially if everyone’s hogging photo space.
Let’s also address the frustration here—why is Apple only giving us 5GB for free in 2023? For a trillion-dollar company, they could surely bump that up to 50GB and still rake in millions. But alas, the trap is real. Upgrading often feels inevitable, especially if you backup everything automatically. Hopefully, Apple’s ongoing “innovations” include a better base offering, though I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Quick recap if you’re still scrolling:
- Decide if you’re sticking with iCloud or exploring alternatives like Google One.
- Check for unnecessary junk first using apps like Clever Cleaner (honestly, a lifesaver for people drowning in photo duplicates).
- Look into sharing plans if you’re not already in one—family setups save cash.
- Only then, if all else fails, upgrade. But avoid overspending—go for exactly what you need.
Also, one final thought—don’t let anyone shame you for hoarding photos. Life’s too short not to keep those blurry concert memories safe! Just manage them efficiently before giving in to Tim Cook’s storage tax. 