To get more storage on your iPhone, you have several effective options:
1. Buy More iCloud Storage
- Apple offers iCloud storage plans that expand your cloud storage beyond the free 5 GB.
- To upgrade, open Settings , tap your name, then iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Change Storage Plan. Choose a plan and follow the instructions.
- Plans start at 50 GB for $0.99/month, with options up to 2 TB or more for higher prices
2. Use Optimize iPhone Storage for Photos and Videos
- Enable Optimize iPhone Storage in Settings > Photos. This stores full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and keeps smaller, optimized versions on your device.
- This frees up significant space without deleting your media, but requires iCloud Photos to be enabled
3. Offload or Delete Unnecessary Apps and Data
- Regularly review and delete apps, photos, videos, messages, and other files you no longer need.
- You can also offload apps (removes the app but keeps data) via Settings > General > iPhone Storage to save space without losing data
4. Use External Storage Devices
- You can connect external flash drives or wireless storage devices compatible with iPhone via Lightning or adapters to store photos, music, and files externally.
- This is useful for large media files but cannot store apps or system data
5. Backup and Remove Large Files Locally
- Back up photos, videos, and other large files to your computer or external drive, then delete them from your iPhone to free space
Additional Tips
- Deleting "Recently Deleted" items in Messages and Photos can recover space.
- System data and iOS files cannot be deleted, but syncing your iPhone with a computer may reduce some system storage
In summary, the most straightforward way to increase storage without buying a new iPhone is to purchase additional iCloud storage and enable Optimize Storage for photos and videos. Combining this with regular cleanup and external storage options can maximize your available space efficiently
