iCloud photo storage

iCloud storage at 160gb of photos, yet the same photos on my phone are only 10gb. How is this possible?

Posted on Mar 12, 2024 1:54 PM

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Posted on Mar 12, 2024 1:57 PM

The photos on your iPhone may be "Optimized". See the following from Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support


iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. To save storage space on your device, you can turn on Optimize Storage.


If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 12, 2024 1:57 PM in response to DJFlo15

The photos on your iPhone may be "Optimized". See the following from Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support


iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. To save storage space on your device, you can turn on Optimize Storage.


If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.

Mar 12, 2024 2:33 PM in response to MWINIJJ

MWINIJJ wrote:

It's possible that iCloud Photo Library is storing your photos in a more optimized format than the originals on your phone. When you enable iCloud Photo Library, your photos are uploaded to iCloud and may be converted to a more efficient format to save space while still maintaining high quality

iCloud always stores photos in their full size. Optimization takes place, if enabled, on devices but not on iCloud.

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iCloud photo storage

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