Related Article: What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage?

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

I just bought storage why isn’t it letting me download anything?

I just bought storage why isn’t it letting me use it ?

iPhone 11, iOS 13

Posted on Oct 22, 2021 7:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Apple recommended

Are you out of storage space on your iPhone? Is that why you purchased iCloud storage?


I would like you to realize and know one important thing and that is that there is NOTHING that you can do to increase the physical storage capacity of your iPhone. Your iPhone's storage capacity will forever remain the same as the day you bought it. 


You can purchase ➔ iCloud Storage from Apple where you create and save your iPhone backups and synch (Not Store) your Messages, Photos, Contacts, Calendars, Notes and Reminders. Note that iCloud Storage is NOT an extension of storage capacity of your iPhone. Just wanted you to know some facts.


Having said that, you can choose to Optimize Storage on your iPhone for all the Photos. What this action will do is store your original quality photos on iCloud and a small size photo on your iPhone. This takes up less space on your iPhone while maintaining the actual size on iCloud. This will free up space on your iPhone while making good use of iCloud. If you would like to try this then open Settings Photos Optimize iPhone Storage : Ensure that this option is chosen and has a checkmark on it.


Here is more informational reading on ➔ What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage?


Axel F.

Posted on Oct 22, 2021 7:16 PM

2 replies
Question marked as Apple recommended

Oct 22, 2021 7:16 PM in response to minyan11

Are you out of storage space on your iPhone? Is that why you purchased iCloud storage?


I would like you to realize and know one important thing and that is that there is NOTHING that you can do to increase the physical storage capacity of your iPhone. Your iPhone's storage capacity will forever remain the same as the day you bought it. 


You can purchase ➔ iCloud Storage from Apple where you create and save your iPhone backups and synch (Not Store) your Messages, Photos, Contacts, Calendars, Notes and Reminders. Note that iCloud Storage is NOT an extension of storage capacity of your iPhone. Just wanted you to know some facts.


Having said that, you can choose to Optimize Storage on your iPhone for all the Photos. What this action will do is store your original quality photos on iCloud and a small size photo on your iPhone. This takes up less space on your iPhone while maintaining the actual size on iCloud. This will free up space on your iPhone while making good use of iCloud. If you would like to try this then open Settings Photos Optimize iPhone Storage : Ensure that this option is chosen and has a checkmark on it.


Here is more informational reading on ➔ What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage?


Axel F.

I just bought storage why isn’t it letting me download anything?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.