iCloud Backup and iCloud Drive - How are they different?

Question

Tommyoda Author

Level 1

8 points

iCloud Backup and iCloud Drive - How are they different?

iPhone IOS Version 11.03
Default Plan
44.8 GB of 128 GB Used
Storage Plan (default) 5 GB

In Settings > Apple ID, iCloud, iTunes & App Store > iCloud > iCloud Backup

Message: This iPhone cannot be backed up because there is not enough iCloud storage available.

1. How can I configure the backup to only backup under 5 GB of data?

2. Can I view what's in the backup file or get an estimate of the backup file size based on current settings?

3. What is the difference between iCloud Drive space available and Storage Plan space?

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 11.0.3

Posted on Oct 21, 2017 6:16 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Tommyoda Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 25, 2017 11:24 AM in response to Tommyoda

Helpful tips researching this topic:

How to back up your iPhone

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203977

Deleting photos off of phone but not off of cloud

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7434542?language=en

Reply

Answer 2

Csound1

Level 9

60,093 points

Oct 21, 2017 6:26 PM in response to Tommyoda

One is a repository for IOS backups, the other is file storage, like a hard drive, only this drive is in iCloud.

Reply

Answer 3

Csound1

Level 9

60,093 points

Oct 21, 2017 6:37 PM in response to Tommyoda

How much space you allow the drive to use is entirely up to you, but bear in mind that all space is shared between the services that use it (Mail, Notes, Photos etc) leave enough room for them, or buy more storage. Also remember that iCloud Drive space is mirrored on your Mac, take that into account also.

Although ultimately everything is using the same space, it is compartmentalized.

Reply

Answer 4

Csound1

Level 9

60,093 points

Oct 21, 2017 6:48 PM in response to Tommyoda

The backup consists of these items

What does iCloud back up? - Apple Support

If they add up to more space than you have available you have 2 choices. Don't use it or Buy more storage.

How much space does the backup require?

Reply

Answer 5

Tommyoda Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 21, 2017 6:33 PM in response to Csound1

It makes sense that the iCloud Drive is in iCloud. What is the total iCloud Drive size and is that size the same as my plan size? Does the backup file sit in the same space as the files in my iCloud Drive?

Reply

Answer 6

Tommyoda Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 21, 2017 6:45 PM in response to Csound1

Ok. I guess my main question is why I can’t backup my phone and getting the message not enough iCloud storage space, I have 5 GB plan and using 0 GB of that plan. I’m assuming it’s because the data my phone wants to backup is greater than 5 GB and I have no control over what is in the backup or the size based on settings.

Reply

Answer 7

Tommyoda Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 22, 2017 8:49 AM in response to Csound1

Ok, Thanks.

Your last question - "How much space does the backup require?" is probably the best question so far because if I knew how much space the backup required I would know if I need to free up some space or buy some more storage space.

For example I'm using 0 GB of my default 5 GB Plan. My phone is using 44.7 GB of 128 GB available. So do I need to purchase a 50 GB plan to backup my phone?

I read some where if I turn on iCloud Photo Library that my photos and videos are not included in the backup.

Reply

Answer 8

Csound1

Level 9

60,093 points

Oct 22, 2017 8:57 AM in response to Tommyoda

I have no idea how much you have on your phone, but you do.

You are correct, photos in the iCloud library are not included, you should read the link I gave you to find out what else is not included.

But, in the end, this is irrelevant, if you do not have enough space for the backup you cant backup without buying more.

Reply

Answer 9

Tommyoda Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 22, 2017 9:19 AM in response to Tommyoda

Feature Suggestion

Include additional information in the Back Up Now (see photo below) section like:

Total iCloud Space Available is: whatever GB
Total Backup Size and maybe a suggestion on what to remove to reduce the total size.
Storage Plan upgrade recommendations located here to remedy not enough iCloud storage available.

Reply

Answer 10

Csound1

Level 9

60,093 points

Oct 22, 2017 9:22 AM in response to Tommyoda

If you want to suggest your ideas to Apple go here: they do not read this forum.

Reply