Apple External Storage
The photos, music, apps, and other content that you use and enjoy on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch take up space in your device’s storage capacity. And your device can fill up quickly depending on the size of its storage capacity and how much content you have. If you see a message that your device's storage is full, you can free up space by managing your photo and video storage.
Discover the world of external hard drives for Mac. Compare portable, USB and external hard drive models for office and home and shop online. Select your external drive from the Locations list Once your external device is physically connected to your iPad or iPhone, you can use Apple’s Files app to browse the external device.
Check to see how much storage you have
See how much storage you have left on your device and in iCloud, and which apps use the most space.
Device storage
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap [device] Storage.
You might see recommendations for optimizing your storage, a list of your apps, and the amount of space that each one uses.
iCloud storage
- Go to Settings.
- Tap [your name].
- Tap iCloud.
External Storage Devices
You'll see how much space you have left in iCloud, the apps using your storage, and if you need to upgrade your storage plan.
Store your photos and videos in iCloud
Your photos and videos are stored on your device in their original, high-resolution version. This means that they use a lot of space on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. With iCloud Photos, you can make more space available on your device and have your entire collection, everywhere you go.
Get started with iCloud Photos:
- Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos.
- Turn on iCloud Photos.
- Select Optimize iPhone Storage to save space on your device.
With Optimize Storage, smaller, space-saving photos and videos are kept on your device while all of your original, full-resolution versions are stored in iCloud. And as long as you have enough space in iCloud, you can store as many photos and videos as you want.
If you need more storage
When you sign up for iCloud, you automatically get 5GB of free storage. If you need more iCloud storage, you can buy more starting at $0.99 (USD) a month. If you choose a 200GB or 2TB plan, you can share your storage with family. Learn more about iCloud storage prices in your country or region.
If you need more storage on your device, you can transfer the photos and videos that you don't want to store in iCloud to your computer.
If you need more help with your storage plan — for example, if you bought more storage but you don't see it in your account — contact Apple Support.
Define External Storage
Learn more
- You can quickly upgrade your iCloud storage plan from your device Settings or System Preferences.
- Learn how to make space on your device by deleting photos.
- Organize your entire photo and video collection on all of your devices.