How to use iCloud as extra storage for photos

Hi Surferking1,

We understand wanting to keep your photos safe and secure, even if something happens to your device.

iCloud Photos is a syncing service that keeps your library updated across your devices. As you mentioned, when iCloud Photos is enabled on all of your devices, any changes you make on one device, sync to the others. While Apple doesn't provide a cloud based service that fits your needs, Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac or PC may be a great solution for you, as this would allow you to delete photos from your iPhone, once the import is complete.

"Import to your Mac

1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac with a USB cable.
2. Open the Photos app on your computer.
3. The Photos app shows an Import screen with all the photos and videos that are on your connected device. If the Import screen doesn't automatically appear, click the device's name in the Photos sidebar.
4. If asked, unlock your iOS or iPadOS device using your passcode. If you see a prompt on your iOS or iPadOS device asking you to Trust This Computer, tap Trust to continue.
5. Choose where you want to import your photos. Next to "Import to," you can choose an existing album or create a new one.
6. Select the photos you want to import and click Import Selected, or click Import All New Photos.
7. Wait for the process to finish, then disconnect your device from your Mac."

Back up your Mac with Time Machine is also a great option to back up any content on your Mac just in case you lose access, or need to recover files when you can't access them, or they've been deleted.

If needed, we'd recommend exploring some third-party services that may better suit what you're looking for as well.

Take care!

Hello Surferking1,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We can help you better understand iCloud so you can get the most from iCloud Photos and other iCloud services with us.

When using iCloud Photos, your photos are safely and securely stored in iCloud via your Apple ID. When signed in on a device using that Apple ID with iCloud Photos enabled, your photos will show on that device. If you delete a photo from one of your devices, then iCloud will also delete the photo, which means the photo will be deleted on the other devices as well.

This explains it also:

"How iCloud Photos works

iCloud Photos automatically keeps every photo and video you take in iCloud, so you can access your library from any device, anytime you want. Any changes you make to your collection on one device change on your other devices too. Your photos and videos are organized into Years, Months, Days, and All Photos.And all of your Memories and People are updated everywhere. That way you can quickly find the moment, family member, or friend you're looking for."

This Apple Support page has the full details: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

If you needed more storage for your photos, you could consider upgrading to iCloud+ for extra storage:

"How iCloud+ works

iCloud+ is Apple’s premium cloud subscription service. It gives you more storage for your photos, files, and backups, as well as additional features including iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video support.* You can choose from three plans:"

Detailed here: Upgrade to iCloud+ - Apple Support

We hope this helps better understand how iCloud Photos works and your best options to mange your photos.

Please let us know if you have further questions.

Cheers!