DB LabsHow to Share iCloud Storage
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing on your iPhone and set up a Family Sharing group (up to 6 people total). Then go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage and tap Share with Family. Your iCloud+ plan (50 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 6 TB, or 12 TB) is now shared among all family members. Each person keeps their own private iCloud account -- photos, files, and backups remain separate. The family organizer pays for the plan and can see each member's storage usage but cannot access their data.
Setup Steps
1 Set Up Family Sharing
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing. If you do not have a family group yet, tap Set Up Your Family. You become the family organizer. Invite family members via their Apple ID email or phone number.
2 Subscribe to iCloud+
If you are not already on a paid iCloud plan, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Change Storage Plan. Choose a plan: 50 GB ($0.99/mo), 200 GB ($2.99/mo), 2 TB ($9.99/mo), 6 TB ($29.99/mo), or 12 TB ($59.99/mo). For families of 3-4, the 200 GB plan is usually sufficient. Families with heavy photo and video use should consider 2 TB.
3 Enable Storage Sharing
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage and tap Share with Family. All members of your Family Sharing group now share the storage pool. Family members receive a notification and can start using the shared storage immediately.
How Shared Storage Works
When you share iCloud storage, all family members draw from the same pool. Here is what you need to know:
- Privacy is maintained: Each person's photos, files, emails, and backups are completely private. The family organizer cannot browse or access anyone else's data.
- Usage is visible: The family organizer can see how many gigabytes each member is using in Settings > [Name] > Family Sharing > iCloud Storage. This helps identify who might be using disproportionate amounts.
- No per-person limits: There are no individual storage caps. Any family member can use as much shared storage as needed, up to the total plan limit. This means one heavy user could potentially fill the plan for everyone.
- Individual plans merge: If a family member was paying for their own iCloud plan, their individual plan ends and they use the shared pool instead. They will not be charged for their old plan anymore.
Which Plan for Your Family
| Family Size | Usage Level | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | Light (photos, backups) | 50 GB ($0.99/mo) |
| 2-3 people | Moderate | 200 GB ($2.99/mo) |
| 3-5 people | Moderate-heavy | 2 TB ($9.99/mo) |
| 4-6 people | Heavy (4K video, many photos) | 6 TB ($29.99/mo) |
Tips for Managing Family Storage
- Clean up regularly: Encourage each family member to periodically review their storage. The biggest culprits are usually old iCloud backups and large photo libraries.
- Delete old backups: Old backups from previous iPhones can consume 5-15 GB each. Family members can remove them in Settings > [Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups.
- Optimize photo storage: Turn on Optimize iPhone Storage (Settings > Photos) to keep smaller versions on the device and full-resolution versions in iCloud.
- Monitor before upgrading: Before paying for a larger plan, check if family members can free up space by cleaning their photo libraries. Often a quick cleanup session reclaims enough space to stay on the current plan.
Save on iCloud by Cleaning Up
Before upgrading your family's iCloud plan, try cleaning up each person's photo library. Swype makes it fast.
Free · iPhone · iOS 16+ · 100% on-device, zero uploads
Free · iPhone · iOS 16+