How to Buy More iCloud Storage

Manage iCloud storage so you don't run out of space

Man holding smartphone

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by Kat Aoki
Kat Aoki has nearly 10 years worth of professional IT and troubleshooting experience. She currently writes digital content for technology companies in the U.S. and Australia.
Updated September 12, 2019

Apple's iCloud is a handy way to sync and backup data across all of your Apple devices. Every iCloud account comes with 5GB of free storage space. However, if you've hit your limit, you can buy iCloud storage with your Apple account.

To help you, here's a look at the different iCloud plans on offer, as well as how to upgrade (or downgrade) or your plan.

What Are the Different iCloud Storage Plans?

Your iCloud account automatically gives you 5 GB of free storage. If you want more than 5GB, you'll need to purchase additional storage using your iCloud account. The paid iCloud plans come with 50GB, 500GB, or 2TB (terabytes) of storage.

  • 50GB Plan: This plan is $0.99 a month and should be sufficient for backing up basic data on your laptop and other devices.
  • 200GB Plan: This plan is $2.99 a month and should give you enough space for your photos, videos, and music.
  • 2TB Plan: This plan will set you back $9.99 per month, but it can be shared among multiple users or family members.

How to Purchase More iCloud Storage

The good news is, buying more iCloud storage is a straightforward matter. Here's how to buy more storage on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

To purchase iCloud storage, you'll need to have an active Apple ID, an active iCloud account, as well as a credit card on file.

How to Upgrade iCloud Storage on Mac

  1. Click the Apple logo at the top left-hand side of your screen, then select System Preferences. > iCloud.

    Mac System Preferences screen

  2. Click Manage in the lower right-hand corner.

    iCloud settings screen

  3. Click Buy More Storage on the top right-hand side of the window.

    Manage Storage screen

  4. Choose your preferred storage plan: 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB.

    iCloud storage plan options

  5. To complete your purchase, enter your iCloud account password, then click Buy.

    Complete iCloud storage purchase screen

  6. With your successful purchase, your iCloud storage is upgraded immediately, and your monthly billing date will be the same date as your purchase date. For example, if you purchase a 50GB plan on August 15th, your next automatic payment will be on or around September 15th.

How to Buy More Storage on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

You can also purchase storage for your iCloud account on your iPhone, iPad or iTouch. The storage plan can be used across all of your devices under the same account.

Closeup of woman holding iPhone

  1. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top of the screen, then tap Manage Storage or iCloud Storage.

    If your device is using iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage.

  2. Next, tap Buy More Storage or Change Storage Plan.

  3. Choose your preferred storage plan: 50GB, 500GB, or 2TB.

  4. Tap Buy to complete your purchase.

How to Downgrade or Cancel Your iCloud Storage Plan

If you upgrade your storage plan, then later find you no longer need the additional space, you can easily downgrade or cancel your iCloud storage plan.

You won't be able to downgrade your storage plan unless you're within the new plan storage limit. If you're over, you can delete files from your iCloud account. If you run into any issues, contact Apple support.

  1. Click the Apple logo > System Preferences > iCloud.

    Mac System Preferences screen

  2. Click Manage.

    iCloud settings screen

  3. Click Change Storage Plan in the top right-hand corner, then click Downgrade Options at the bottom of the next window (shown below).

    iCloud downgrade option

  4. Choose a different plan (or go back to the free 5GB plan to cancel), then click Done.

    Downgrade iCloud storage plan