Alright, let’s cut through the endless how-to guides and get real here. Managing iCloud storage is like trying to fit your life into a carry-on suitcase for a week-long trip—possible, but borderline ridiculous. That said, here’s a different angle on this:
First off, I slightly disagree with @espritlibre about just tossing backups left and right. I mean, sure, deleting old backups for dead devices? Obvious. But don’t go crazy killing current backups without checking exactly what you’re unchecking. One day, you might actually need that app data you dismissed as useless. Plus, if something justifies iCloud use, it’s device backups. Manage them wisely, don’t just blindly chop.
Then there’s the photos. Optimize iPhone Storage is great and all, but why not explore alternative cloud backups? Ever tried Dropbox or even Amazon Photos? Both offer decent photo storage options without cramming everything into Apple’s ecosystem. By spreading your files, you’re not only freeing up space—you’re diversifying your risk. If iCloud glitches one day, your photos live elsewhere. Or, ditch the cloud altogether and invest in an external SSD. Trust me, nothing frees your digital soul like total iCloud independence.
Here’s another trick many overlook: Messages. Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages and switch it from Forever to 1 Year or even 30 Days. Nobody’s scrolling back to 2014 for that group chat about your cousin’s failed starter business idea. And yes, those GIFs and text-heavy conversations are bloating your storage.
Oh, and shared folders. You might not even realize this, but anything friends or coworkers share with you via iCloud counts against YOUR storage. If someone dumped a 2GB video project in your lap, download it and ask them to remove your access. It’s not rude to look after your storage sanity.
For email, IMO, just switch providers. Honestly, Gmail or Outlook with a link to cloud attachments is better. iCloud Mail is fine, but it’s not worth stressing over when managing attachments becomes part-time work.
Lastly, before you shell out $0.99/month for Apple’s lowest iCloud plan (a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, BTW), consider a cleanup app like Clever Cleaner for iPhone. Some swear by it for nuking duplicates and streamlining storage painlessly. It’s like a personal Marie Kondo for your digital clutter.
And let’s collectively agree that the 5GB Apple gives for free is a crime against humanity in 2023. You’re not crazy for feeling suffocated by this nonsense. Time to reclaim your cloud!
