How Much iCloud Storage Is Needed for a Backup

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Gorilla· Answered on Jun 28, 2024

iCloud storage needed for a backup depends on the types and sizes of data you want to back up. Add up the sizes of all the photos, videos, app data, device settings, messages, and other files that you want to include in the backup. Here are some estimates for how much iCloud storage is needed for different types of data:

For photos:

• On average, a high-quality photo taken with a modern smartphone camera is around 3-5 MB.
• If you have 1,000 photos, it would require approximately 3-5 GB of iCloud storage.

For videos:

• A 1-minute 1080p video can take around 60-80 MB of storage.
• A 1-minute 4K video can take around 200-300 MB of storage.
• If you have 10 minutes of 1080p videos and 10 minutes of 4K videos, it would require approximately 2-3 GB of iCloud storage.

For other data:

• App data, device settings, messages, and other files also contribute to the backup size. The exact amount varies depending on your usage.
• An average backup for most users including photos, videos, and other data can range from 5 GB to 20 GB.

For the whole backup:

• Up to 5 GB: Suitable for smaller backups with basic data.
• 50 GB: Ideal for backups with a moderate amount of data, including photos and videos.
• 200 GB: Recommended for backups with a larger collection of photos, videos, and additional data.
• 1 TB: Suitable for extensive backups with a significant amount of multimedia content and files.
• 2 TB: Best for users with extensive data storage needs, including large photo and video libraries.

The amount of iCloud storage needed for a backup depends on the size of the data you want to back up. Generally, Apple offers 5GB of free iCloud storage, which may be sufficient for backing up essential data like contacts, messages, and settings. Apple provides various storage plans, ranging from 50GB to 2TB, to accommodate different storage needs. It's recommended to assess your data size and choose a storage plan that can comfortably accommodate your backup requirements.

However, if you have a large amount of photos, videos, or other files to back up, you may need to purchase additional storage. If you're not interested in any additional iCloud storage plan, you can backup your iPhone to computer straightly with USB cable. Due to Apple data restrictions, you may also need a third-party data transfer software. It's highly recommended to download EaseUS MobiMover for free here.

Related Article: Is 5GB Enough for iCloud Storage?