Your iPhone has two completely separate kinds of storage. iPhone storage (device storage) is the physical space built into the phone, such as 64 GB or 128 GB, and it’s fixed when you buy it. iCloud storage is online space on Apple’s servers, tied to your Apple Account, that’s used for backups, photos and files. Knowing the difference helps you fix “Storage Almost Full” messages and decide whether you need to pay for more iCloud space. This applies to every iPhone, from older models like the iPhone 7 to the latest.
Quick Answer
Device storage holds apps, downloaded photos and videos, and system files on the phone itself. Check it in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. iCloud storage is cloud space (5 GB free) for backups and synced data. Check it in Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Buying more iCloud storage does not add space to your phone.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| iPhone (device) storage | iCloud storage | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is | Inside the phone | Apple’s servers, online |
| Size | Fixed at purchase (e.g. 64, 128, 256 GB) | 5 GB free; upgrade with iCloud+ |
| Can you add more? | No | Yes, monthly subscription |
| Stores | Apps, app data, downloaded media, iOS | Backups, iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, Messages, app data |
| Needs internet? | No | Yes, to sync or download |
| Where to check | Settings > General > iPhone Storage | Settings > [your name] > iCloud |
How to Check iPhone Storage
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Wait a moment for the bar to calculate usage by Apps, Photos, Media, System Data and more.
- Scroll down to see each app’s size and tap one to Offload App (keeps data) or Delete App.
How to Check iCloud Storage
- Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud. The bar shows how your iCloud space is used.
- Tap Manage (or Manage Account Storage) to see what uses the most space and to change your plan.
How They Work Together
- iCloud Photos + Optimize iPhone Storage: full-resolution photos stay in iCloud while smaller versions stay on the phone. This saves device storage but uses iCloud storage. Turn it on in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos.
- iCloud Backup: copies your phone’s data to iCloud. It uses iCloud storage, not device storage.
- Deleting from iCloud Photos deletes from the phone too when syncing is on, because they’re the same library.
- iCloud Drive files can be downloaded to the phone (using device storage) or left online.
“iPhone Storage Full” vs. “iCloud Storage Full”
iPhone Storage Full: free up space on the device. Offload unused apps, clear large Messages attachments, delete old videos, or turn on Optimize iPhone Storage.
iCloud Storage Full: backups and syncing stop. Delete old device backups (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage > Backups), clean up iCloud Photos and Drive, or upgrade to iCloud+.
iCloud+ Plans
iCloud+ plans come in 50 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 6 TB and 12 TB sizes, and include extras like Hide My Email and Private Relay. In the US, prices start at $0.99 per month for 50 GB. Check Apple’s iCloud+ page for current prices in your country. The Apple One bundle also includes iCloud+ storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will buying iCloud storage fix my full iPhone?
Only indirectly. It lets you store photos in iCloud with Optimize iPhone Storage turned on, which frees device space, but it doesn’t increase the phone’s capacity.
What is System Data?
Caches, logs, and temporary files. iOS manages it automatically; restarting the phone or deleting large app caches can shrink it.
If I delete a backup from iCloud, does it delete data on my phone?
No. It removes only the backup copy. Make a new backup soon if it was your only one.
Summary
- Device storage = space in the phone, fixed size.
- iCloud storage = online space, 5 GB free, upgradeable.
- Check device storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Check iCloud in Settings > [your name] > iCloud.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.