How to Get iCloud Storage for Free: Easy & Legit Ways

Part 1. Is it Possible to Get Free iCloud Storage?

Yes, Apple provides 5GB of free iCloud storage to every user for backups, photos, and documents. However, if you need more space, you must upgrade to a paid plan. While there's no official way to get unlimited iCloud storage for free, you can optimize usage, delete unnecessary files, and explore alternative storage options.

This guide will show you how to get free iCloud storage by managing your existing space efficiently.

Part 2. How to Get iCloud Storage for Free? [4 Practical Methods]

Method 1. Use Family Sharing

Family Sharing lets you share an iCloud+ subscription with up to five family members, giving access to up to 12TB of storage. Each member has a private account while sharing storage and premium features like iCloud Private Relay.

Requirements:

• An Apple ID signed in to iCloud
• An iCloud+ plan (50GB, 200GB, or 2TB)
• Family Sharing set up on your Apple device

Steps to Share iCloud Storage:

Step 1: Open Family Sharing Settings:

On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Family > Subscriptions > iCloud+.

On Mac: Click Apple Menu > System Settings > Family > Subscriptions > iCloud+.

Step 2: Enable Shared Storage: Tap Use Family Storage (on iPhone) or Use Shared Plan (on Mac).

Step 3: Confirm Sharing: Family members using the free 5GB plan are automatically upgraded. Those with paid plans can choose to switch or keep their own.

Method 2. Free Up Space

The greatest answer for how to get more iCloud storage without paying is to free up space.iCloud fills up quickly with backups, photos, messages, and emails. By managing your storage wisely, you can reclaim valuable space and keep your iCloud account running smoothly. Here’s how to clean up and optimize your storage effectively:

Steps of how to get free icloud storage:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Account Storage to see what's taking up space.

Step 2: Remove backups from old or unused devices.

Step 3: Delete old iMessages, especially those with attachments.

Step 4: Sort emails by size and delete those with big attachments.

Step 5: Delete duplicates, offload unused media, and empty the Recently Deleted album.

Method 3. Take Advantage of Free Apple Promotions

Upgrading to a new iPhone or iPad? Apple offers 3 months free icloud storage to help you transfer data without worrying about space. This temporary iCloud storage ensures a smooth transition, even if you don’t have enough storage on your current plan.

How to Get Free Temporary iCloud Storage

Step 1: If you’re upgrading to a new iPhone or iPad but don’t have enough iCloud storage for a backup, you qualify for temporary iCloud storage. Update your current device to the latest iOS or iPadOS version.

Step 2: Open Settings > General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad. Under Prepare for New iPhone/iPad, tap Get Started.

• If iCloud Backup is off, tap Turn On Backup to Transfer.
• If eligible, you’ll see an option to get free extra iCloud storage—tap Continue. Wait for the backup to complete.

Step 3: Turn on your new iPhone or iPad. Follow the on-screen setup instructions. On the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from iCloud Backup. Sign in with your Apple ID and choose your recent backup.

Step 4: Your free storage lasts 21 days. If your new device hasn’t arrived yet, go to Settings and tap Keep My Backup Longer to extend it for another 21 days.

Method 4. Limit iCloud Backups & Only Backup Essentials

iCloud backups can quickly fill up storage, but you don’t have to back up everything. By limiting iCloud backups to only essential data, you can save space and stay within your free 5GB limit. Manage backups from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows device to remove unnecessary files and apps.

Steps to Limit iCloud Backups & Only Backup Essentials

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and tap [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

Step 2: Tap Manage Storage > Backups, then select your device.

Step 3: Choose Show All Apps and turn off backups for non-essential apps.

Step 4: Delete old backups by selecting a device and tapping Delete Backup.

Step 5: On Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage > Backups to remove backups.

Step 6: On Windows, open iCloud for Windows > Storage > Backups, then delete unnecessary backups.

Part 3. Best Alternative to iCloud Storage - Free Backup & Transfer

Backing up your iPhone should be simple and hassle-free, and Tenorshare iCareFone makes it possible. This all-in-one iOS backup and file management tool allows you to transfer, manage, and restore data effortlessly. Unlike iCloud, it provides unlimited storage, selective data restoration, and faster backup speeds.

You can back up your iPhone to your computer, external hard drive, or any preferred storage without worrying about space limits. With iCareFone, you stay in complete control of your backups while ensuring 100% data privacy and security.

Why Choose iCareFone?

No iCloud Storage Limits: Back up without space restrictions.

Selective Data Backup & Restore: Restore only what you need.

Faster Backup Speed: Quicker than iCloud or iTunes.

Supports 20+ Data Types: Photos, contacts, messages, WhatsApp, and more.

100% Privacy Protection: No risk of data leaks.

Steps to Back Up & Restore with alternative to icloud storage

• Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your PC or Mac, then connect your iPhone using a USB cable.

• Open iCareFone and select "Backup & Restore". Choose the data types you want to back up, then click "Backup" to save your data to your computer or external drive.

• To restore data, reconnect your device, select "Restore", and choose the specific files you want to recover. No need for a factory reset!

FAQs About How to Get iCloud Storage for Free

Q1. Is there free iCloud storage for students?

Unless your institution has an agreement with Apple, students receive the standard 5GB of free iCloud storage, just like all users.

Q2. How can I get 200GB free on iCloud?

Students or teachers with an Apple ID issued by their school may receive 200GB of free iCloud storage as part of Apple’s educational services.

Q3. How much does iCloud+ cost?

• 50GB Plan: Includes iCloud Private Relay and Hide My Email.
• 200GB Plan: Supports up to 5 HomeKit cameras.
• 2TB, 6TB, or 12TB Plans: Supports unlimited HomeKit cameras.

All plans are shareable with up to five family members.

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