What to Do When iCloud Wants More Money
When iCloud warns you about running out of storage, you have choices—don’t feel pressured to upgrade without understanding your options.
Step 1: Check Your Mac’s Storage First
- On your Mac, click the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
- Review Available space and compare it to the size of your iCloud Photos and files (check in System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud).
Step 2: Download Everything from iCloud
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences) and click your Apple ID at the top left.
- Click iCloud > Photos.
- Enable Download Originals to this Mac. This ensures your full-resolution photos and videos are saved locally, not just thumbnails.
- For iCloud Drive files, open Finder > iCloud Drive. Right-click any folders you want to keep and select Download Now.
Step 3: Wait for the Downloads to Finish
Depending on your internet speed and the size of your library, this may take a while. Make sure your Mac stays powered and connected.
Step 4: Move Files to an External Drive (Optional)
If your Mac is low on space or you want an extra backup, connect an external drive and drag your downloaded photos and files there.
Step 5: Confirm Everything is Safe
- Open a few photos and documents to make sure the originals are really on your Mac or external drive.
Step 6: Reduce iCloud Storage or Cancel Subscription (Optional)
- Once you’re sure your data is safely moved, you can reduce your iCloud storage plan or cancel it entirely if you wish.
A Note on iCloud Value
Of all the subscriptions out there, iCloud is genuinely useful—it keeps your data synced and backed up across devices, and can be a lifesaver if you lose or break your phone. For many, the 50GB or 200GB plans are worth the monthly cost. However, the leap from 200GB to 2TB is big (and more expensive). If you’re not sure it’s right for you, consider whether you actually need that much cloud space or if a one-time cleanup and local backup will suffice.
