Nitin Gupta
Level 1 (18 points)
iCloud

Q: "not enough available storage" Despite Optimize Storage and iCloud Photo Library Enabled

I pay for 1 TB of iCloud storage so that I can keep my large photo library in the cloud and still have access to lower resolution images on my various iDevices. My understanding is that iCloud Photo library will "optimize" the resolution and number of pictures on my device so I do not get the "not enough available storage" message that regularly cripples my iPads and iPhone.

 

Why does the Apple Photo app continue to eat up all available space on my devices even with iCloud Photo Library and optimize library enabled?

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 9.1, Hue Bridge 2.0, 9 Hue Bulbs, 4 GE

Posted on Aug 11, 2016 8:05 AM

Close
Nitin Gupta

Q: "not enough available storage" Despite Optimize Storage and iCloud Photo Library Enabled

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by javaliga,

    javaliga javaliga Aug 11, 2016 10:38 AM in response to Nitin Gupta
    Level 4 (3,370 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 11, 2016 10:38 AM in response to Nitin Gupta

    Are you optimizing the space on your iPhone according to:

     

    Manage your photo and video storage - Apple Support

     

    I realize the above article says "With Optimize Storage, smaller, space-saving photos and videos are kept on your device while all of your original, full-resolution versions are stored in iCloud. And as long as you have enough space in iCloud, you can store as many photos and videos as you want."  Which implies that space on your iPhone should not be an issue (and in most cases probably is not).  (But I suspect that wording refers mostly to iCloud - not NECESSARILY to your device.)  No matter how "optimized" the photos are stored on your device, there has to be some physical limitation.  I don't see how you can store an infinite number on your device (even if they are just pointers to the iCloud photos).  If you have close to a TB of photos stored in iCloud Photo Library and have a 16 GB iPhone, for example, I suspect you will have issues.

     

    This is just my opinion.  I don't work for Apple.  If I am wrong maybe someone who knows more about this subject will correct me.

  • by Rysz,

    Rysz Rysz Aug 11, 2016 10:44 AM in response to javaliga
    Level 7 (20,301 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 11, 2016 10:44 AM in response to javaliga

    FYI, iCloud Photo Library can only be full-resolution, never optimized, so that quote refers to libraries on iDevices and Macs. For large iCPL libraries, the user might need purchase additional storage space.

  • by Rysz,

    Rysz Rysz Aug 11, 2016 10:46 AM in response to Nitin Gupta
    Level 7 (20,301 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 11, 2016 10:46 AM in response to Nitin Gupta

    Are you actually getting "out of storage" messages on your iDevices?

    If not, then the system is working as designed. Photos is maximizing local library based on available space.

  • by Nitin Gupta,

    Nitin Gupta Nitin Gupta Aug 15, 2016 11:34 AM in response to Rysz
    Level 1 (18 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 15, 2016 11:34 AM in response to Rysz

    Yes, on my iDevices. I do not think the system was designed to eat up every last bit to the point the system becomes unstable and apps behave unpredictably.

  • by Nitin Gupta,

    Nitin Gupta Nitin Gupta Aug 15, 2016 11:37 AM in response to javaliga
    Level 1 (18 points)
    iCloud
    Aug 15, 2016 11:37 AM in response to javaliga

    I expected/hoped that iCloud Photo library would be smarter than this - much in the way Google Photos is. However, I suspect you are correct that it iCloud ignores the lack of available space and tries to make a local "optimized" version of each image in your library regardless off how large it is.

  • by Rysz,

    Rysz Rysz Aug 16, 2016 8:24 PM in response to Nitin Gupta
    Level 7 (20,301 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 16, 2016 8:24 PM in response to Nitin Gupta

    You are correct. You should always have enough free space left to operate and even add new apps.

     

    Try the troubleshooting steps below, but also leave your iPhone charging and connected to Wi-Fi overnight. Just in case the system has not yet been able to properly optimize the local library.

     

     

    Reset: hold down the Home and Power buttons until you see the Apple logo (10-20 seconds).

     

    If this doesn't help, you might need to Restore your iPhone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204184

    If your backup is to iTunes, make sure it's an encrypted backup.