iPhone storage and iCloud backup confusion

Question

iPhone storage and iCloud backup confusion

Hi, I’m genuinely so confused… my phone storage is at 105GB out of 128GB. My icloud storage is at 49.6GB out of 50GB. This is mostly taken up by a backup (37GB). I need to backup my phone one last time before I transfer my SIM card into my new phone, but I am scared if I delete the old backup to make room for a new one, then my data will be deleted/photos gone etc. Is this right? What should I do? I genuinely don’t believe I should need to buy the next iCloud storage upgrade for £2.99 per month as I keep my phone quite tidy and delete things regularly.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: isobelcoulson

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 11, 2025 02:57 AM

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Answer 1

xWauwau

Level 3

590 points

Jul 11, 2025 03:03 AM in response to isobelcoulson

Well, 49 GB out of 50 is genuinely close, so, an upgrade would (from my perspective) be very much deserved, but if you think it’s enough, it probably is. Regarding your concern about the backup, if you do have data there which you don’t have anymore, but you need, you probably shouldn’t overwrite it. If that’s not the case, the new backup will just overwrite what has changed and not delete any photos or other data you have currently on your device. Generally, deleting a backup is not a problem unless your phone breaks and you have not saved all the data to iCloud.

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2025 08:03 AM in response to isobelcoulson

I wouldn't do anything at all with so little wiggle room at iCloud. You may get in the middle of a save and not have enough room to finish. You should keep at least 10% free, not 0.8% as you have now. Spend the £3 at least for a month, until you get it all straightened out. I mean, how many Aero Peppermint Chocolate bars do you have to give up for £3?

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