[You Need to Know] How Much iCloud Storage Is Needed for a Backup?

Backing up an iPhone is an important step to prevent data loss, and iCloud is the most commonly used way to do this. Then, how much storage do I need to back up my iPhone? We all know iCloud only provides 5GB free of storage space for us. Is it enough? In this article, you will find the answer to this question: how much iCloud storage is needed for a backup and the factors that influence iCloud storage needs. We also guide choosing the right storage plan.

Part 1. FAQs on iCloud Storage

iCloud storage is a cloud-based storage service provided by Apple. It is designed to store and synchronize various types of data, including photos, videos, documents, app data, and more across Apple devices. Here are some things you need to know:

Q1. What are the factors that affect iCloud storage?

The factors that mainly affect the requirements for iCloud storage include the following aspects:

• Device storage space: iCloud storage space is related to the device's storage capacity.
• Backup data: Backups of photos, videos, documents, and other data occupy storage space.
• Services and apps: Usage of services and apps like iMessage, Apple Music, etc. occupy storage space.
• Storage plans: The iCloud storage plan purchased by the user determines the size of available storage space.
• Data synchronization: The need for data synchronization across multiple devices affects the demand for iCloud storage.

Q2. What storage plans does iCloud offer?

Apple offers several iCloud storage plans to accommodate different needs. The right plan for you depends on your specific usage and how much data you want to store in the cloud.

• 5GB (Free): Suitable for users with minimal data and basic backup needs. This might fill up quickly, especially if you have a device with a larger storage capacity.
• 50GB: A reasonable choice for individuals with average usage. It provides ample space for backups, photos, and app data without breaking the bank.
• 200GB: Ideal for users with larger app libraries, extensive photo and video collections, and a need for more comprehensive iCloud storage.
• 2TB: Best suited for power users, families, or individuals with extensive media collections and multiple devices. This plan offers abundant space for backups and seamless data management across devices.

Part 2. How Much iCloud Storage Is Needed for a Backup?

Before delving into how much storage do you need to back up iPhone, it's essential to have a clear understanding of how much storage your iPhone and iCloud backup is currently utilizing.

2.1 How Much Storage Space You Have Used on Your iPhone

To assess the space you've already used on your iPhone, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap on the "General" option.

Step 3. Within the General settings, select "iPhone Storage". Here, you'll find a breakdown of your storage usage, detailing which apps and types of content are consuming the most space.

2.2 How Much iCloud Storage Space You Have

Knowing your current iCloud storage capacity is a crucial step in answering how much storage is needed to back up iPhone. To determine your current iCloud storage status:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Step 2. At the top of the Settings screen, you'll find your Apple ID. Tap on it to access your Apple ID settings.

Step 3. In the Apple ID settings, choose "iCloud". Here, you'll see an overview of your iCloud settings, including your current storage usage and available space.

If you find your iCloud storage is not enough, the optimal solution is to buy additional storage. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Navigate to "Settings", select [your name], tap on "iCloud", and then choose "Manage Storage".

Step 2. Click on "Change Storage Plan". Select the plan that suits your needs.

Part 3. How to Manage Your iCloud Storage

Once we know how much storage do you need to back up an iPhone, how to manage the iCloud storage to access more storage space?

3.1 Delete Unnecessary Data

One of the key steps in optimizing your iCloud storage is decluttering unnecessary data. Follow these simple steps to identify and delete files, photos, and documents, freeing up valuable space and ensuring your iCloud storage is used efficiently.

Step 1. On your iOS device, go to "Settings", tap on your name at the top of the screen, select "iCloud", and then "Manage Storage".

Step 2. Review each category to identify files or apps you no longer need.

Step 3. Tap on the specific category (e.g., Photos, Documents), select the files you want to delete, and tap "Delete" or "Remove". For photos, remember to check the "Recently Deleted" folder in the Photos app.

3.2 Delete Old Backups

Managing old backups is crucial to maintaining an organized and optimized iCloud storage. Follow these steps to identify and delete outdated backups, ensuring that your storage space is prioritized for the most recent data.

Step 1. In "Settings", go to your name and select "iCloud".

Step 2. Tap on "Manage Storage" and then "Backups".

Step 3. Review the list of backups to identify older ones and check the date of each backup to determine its relevance.

Step 4. Tap on the backup you want to delete. Confirm your decision by selecting "Delete Backup".

To prevent unnecessary backups, go to "Settings", tap your name, select "iCloud", and then "iCloud Backup". Toggle off apps or data categories you don't need to back up.

3.3 Use Optimize iPhone Storage

The "Optimize iPhone Storage" feature is a smart way to manage your photo and video storage, ensuring that your device doesn't become bogged down with large media files. Follow these steps to enable and benefit from this space-saving feature.

Step 1. In "Settings", tap on your name, select "iCloud", and then "Photos", and toggle on "iCloud Photos".

Step 2. Still in the "Photos" settings, select "Optimize iPhone Storage". This feature automatically stores full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud while keeping a smaller version on your device.

Part 4. The Best Alternative Way to Back Up Your iPhone

Besides iCloud, the best way to back up your iOS devices is by using the Coolmuster iOS Assistant application. With this tool, there is no need to be concerned about how much space does an iPhone backup take. It enables you to back up various data types from your iOS devices, such as contacts, messages, photos, music, videos, notes, books and so on.

Key Features:

• Back up and restore your entire iPhone/iPad/iPod with just one click.
• Effortlessly transfer iOS files after previewing and selecting them.
• Completely manage iTunes backup files and iOS data on your computer.
• Edit, add, or delete data information directly on your iOS device using your PC/Mac.
• Support for the latest iOS 17 is included.

Here is how to use it to back up your iPhone to your computer:

01Download, install, and launch Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

02Connect your device to the computer using a USB cord as instructed. Once this software detects your device, the main interface will appear, as shown below.

03From the left panel, choose the data type you want to back up, select the files, and then click the "Export" button.

To back up entire iPhone, go to "Super Toolkit" > "Backup & Restore" >"Backup". Select your device from the drop-down menu, choose a location to store your backup file, and then click "OK" to start the backup process.

Video Tutorial:

The Bottom Line

How much iCloud storage is needed for a backup? This requires evaluating device usage and storage space requirements. By understanding the factors that contribute to your iCloud storage usage, you can choose the right storage plan and optimize your backup strategy. You can also regularly review and manage your iCloud storage to ensure that it continues to meet your needs.

What's more, you can give Coolmuster iOS Assistant a chance. With this application, you will never worry about how much space do you need to back up iPhone because it allows users to back up their iOS devices without utilizing any of your iCloud storage capacity. So, please give it a try.

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