User profile for user: jamborod
jamborod Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Photos taking up much more space on iCloud than on MacBook - why?

I like to think I'm an intelligent human (don't we all) but I am genuinely mystified by what's happening with my iCloud storage levels - particularly with regard to photos and videos. I have three Apple devices - MacBook Air, iPhone and iPad - and have the same number of photos - 17,070 - and short videos - 195 - synched on all three devices. These take up the following space on my devices: MacBook Air - 6.46GB; iPhone - 4.44GB; iPad - 2.73GB. If I add those together they come to 13.63GB. And yet on my iCloud I'm told that the same photos and videos are taking up 94.12GB of storage which, as a result, keeps them prompting me to upgrade my current 200GB of storage plan.


Is this normal? Where is the extra 80-odd GB of 'photos' coming from?


I've chatted to a very helpful person at Apple iCloud Support but was left none the wiser. Can anyone else advise me?


Huge thanks in advance to anyone who can!

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on May 30, 2024 5:30 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Mac Jim ID
Mac Jim ID
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 10
90,434 points

Posted on May 30, 2024 5:45 AM

If you are using Optimized Storage for iCloud Photos, then your devices do not have the full resolution of the photos. The full resolution of the photo is stored in iCloud and only downloaded on your device when needed. Your device will have smaller versions of the photos for the thumbnails that you see in the Photos app. When you need the full size version to edit the photo or print it, then it will be downloaded from iCloud automatically. Review this Support Article and note that:


When Optimize Storage is turned on, full-resolution photos and videos are stored in iCloud, and, when needed, space-saving copies are stored on your device. 

Manage your photo storage - Apple Support


View in context

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Mac Jim ID
Mac Jim ID
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 10
90,434 points

May 30, 2024 5:45 AM in response to jamborod

If you are using Optimized Storage for iCloud Photos, then your devices do not have the full resolution of the photos. The full resolution of the photo is stored in iCloud and only downloaded on your device when needed. Your device will have smaller versions of the photos for the thumbnails that you see in the Photos app. When you need the full size version to edit the photo or print it, then it will be downloaded from iCloud automatically. Review this Support Article and note that:


When Optimize Storage is turned on, full-resolution photos and videos are stored in iCloud, and, when needed, space-saving copies are stored on your device. 

Manage your photo storage - Apple Support


Reply
User profile for user: lkrupp
lkrupp
User level: Level 7
26,325 points

May 30, 2024 5:45 AM in response to jamborod

There’s a feature in the Photos app that stores full images in iCloud but keeps lower resolutions on your Apple devices to save space.


Open the Photos app->Settings->iCloud->Optimize Mac Storage and see if it’s turned on. The same option is usually on by default on the iPhone and iPad. If you turn that option off your storage will increase on your devices. It’s all about managing file sizes to preserve storage.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Photos taking up much more space on iCloud than on MacBook - why?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up