What is iPhone storage
The space on your iPhone itself.
Your iPhone comes with a set amount of storage. The more it has, the more music, apps, photos and other content it can hold.
- SettingsOpen the Settings app.
- GeneralTap General.
- iPhone StorageSee how much you have used.
See how to check your iPhone storage for what each part means.
What is iCloud storage
Space online, linked to your Apple Account.
iCloud storage keeps your photos, files, notes and other data in the cloud, up to date on all your devices signed in with the same Apple Account. You can use it to back up your iPhone and to keep your photos and videos in iCloud Photos.
iCloud comes with 5 GB free. For more, you can buy iCloud+.
- SettingsOpen the Settings app, then tap your name.
- iCloudSee how much iCloud storage you have used.
- StorageTap Storage or Manage Storage for more details.
Side by side
Two separate kinds of storage.
| iPhone storage | iCloud storage | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | On your iPhone | Online, in iCloud |
| How much | A set amount | 5 GB free, more with iCloud+ |
| Check it | Settings > General > iPhone Storage | Settings > your name > iCloud |
| When full | You might get an alert | iCloud features might stop staying up to date |
How they work together
iCloud can save space on your iPhone, but it does not add any.
With iCloud Photos and Optimize iPhone Storage on, your full size photos and videos stay in iCloud and your iPhone keeps space saving copies when it needs room. See how to free up storage on your iPhone.
Buying more iCloud storage does not make your iPhone's own storage any bigger. Your iPhone keeps the set amount it came with.