How to Check and Manage iCloud Storage on Your Mac

This article covers how to check and manage your iCloud storage on a Mac. First, you will check your current storage usage and itemized usage details, then decide whether to change your storage plan or remove items stored in iCloud to free up space. Note that iCloud+ may not be available in some countries or regions, and the features offered can differ by location. Therefore, you should verify whether the options below are displayed in your environment and whether macOS supports the relevant features.

Conditions and Menu Path to Check First

Before increasing your storage or removing items, it's essential to check your current usage. Open the System Settings app on your Mac, and click on your username at the top of the sidebar. In the Apple Account settings, click on 'iCloud,' then click 'Manage' to access the iCloud storage management screen. From this path, you can check your storage usage, family sharing, plan changes, and usage details by app or feature.

Open 'System Settings' on your Mac.
Click on your name at the top of the sidebar.
In the Apple Account settings, click on 'iCloud.'
Click 'Manage' to open the iCloud storage management screen.
Check the total storage usage organized by category in the storage bar at the top.
Click on an app or feature in the list to see how it uses storage.
Once finished, click 'Done.'

The storage bar at the top shows the total usage categorized. To delve deeper into the usage history of a specific app or feature, you need to click on that app or feature in the management screen's list. By separating the overall usage and itemized usage details, you can set criteria for deciding whether to change your plan or remove stored items.

💡 Editor's Practical Tip: Identify the 'Usage Subject' Before Changing Plans The storage bar at the top only shows total usage. Click on each app or feature in the list to identify which items are consuming space, then categorize them into what is essential, like backups and photos, and what can be cleaned up. By establishing these criteria, it becomes easier to decide whether to upgrade your plan or delete items.

Steps to Increase iCloud Storage

If you need more space without deleting stored items, you can choose to change your plan. Open the System Settings on your Mac, navigate to Apple Account settings, and click on 'iCloud.' Then, click 'Manage' near the top and select 'Change Storage Plan.' Follow the prompts displayed on the screen to proceed with the current subscription or storage options available.

If you see 'iCloud+' or 'Apple One' subscription, navigate to that subscription.
Click 'View All Plans.'
Select a plan with more storage.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
When the iCloud+ storage options list appears, choose your desired storage.
Click 'Upgrade to iCloud+' or 'Next,' then follow the on-screen instructions.

The paths displayed on the screen are divided into cases where subscriptions are visible and where the iCloud+ storage options list is shown. Therefore, do not arbitrarily execute the procedures of another path if a button from one path is not visible; proceed according to the options currently displayed. For information on downgrading or canceling iCloud+, refer to a separate Apple support document.

Sharing iCloud+ with Family

If you are subscribed to iCloud+, you can click 'Share with Family' in the management screen and follow the on-screen instructions. There is also a way to set up family sharing for iCloud+. In both cases, since you are sharing storage with family, you should proceed according to the guidance displayed on the screen.

If you are a member of a family sharing group and share purchased items using the same Apple account, the storage upgrade will be billed to the family organizer's account. Therefore, you should check the family sharing configuration and billing account before upgrading your plan. For more details on sharing iCloud storage with family members, refer to the Apple support document 'Sharing iCloud+ with Family.'

⚠️ Note: Check the Billing Account if Sharing with Family If a member of the family sharing group upgrades the storage, the charges will be billed to the family organizer's account. Additionally, removing items stored in iCloud may affect existing stored data, so ensure to verify the retention of materials that need continued access before deleting.

Freeing Up Space by Removing Items

Instead of changing your storage plan, you can also free up more space by removing items stored in iCloud. This choice can impact existing stored items, so first check which apps or features are using space in the management screen and decide what to remove. If there are materials that need continued access, verify their retention before deletion. Other methods for freeing up storage can be found in the Apple support document 'Freeing Up Storage.' Currently, deleting iCloud backups from an iPhone or iPad will also stop automatic backups for that device. Removing app data from iCloud will also remove it from synced devices, so make sure to save copies of any materials you need to retain.

This guide is limited to managing iCloud storage on a Mac. iCloud+ may not be available in some countries or regions, and the features available can differ by location. Additionally, the options in the management screen may vary depending on macOS support. Therefore, if specific options like 'Share with Family' or 'Change Plan' are not visible, do not assume that these options are available in all environments; check the feature support of your current macOS and related Apple support documents.

📌 Editor's 3-Point Summary

Check usage and itemized details in System Settings > [Name] > iCloud > 'Manage.'
If space is low, choose between 'Change Storage Plan' or item removal based on your needs.
Availability and features of iCloud+ may vary by country, region, and macOS support.