Running out of iCloud storage can be frustrating, especially when those “Storage Full” notifications start appearing on your devices. Luckily, Apple makes it easy to share your iCloud+ storage plan with family members, helping everyone avoid storage headaches while potentially saving money too. You can share your iCloud+ storage with up to five family members through Apple’s Family Sharing feature, giving everyone access to more space without requiring separate subscriptions.
Setting this up takes just a few minutes and works across all Apple devices. Whether you have 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB of storage, sharing with family members means everyone can back up their photos, documents, and app data without worrying about running out of space. The process is slightly different depending on which device you’re using, but the end result is the same – more storage for everyone in your household.
How to Share iCloud Storage with Family Members Effectively
Apple’s iCloud Family Sharing lets you share a single iCloud storage plan with up to five family members. When set up correctly, it’s a convenient and cost‑effective way to manage storage—but if done poorly, one person can end up using all the space.
This guide walks you through how to share iCloud storage, manage usage, and avoid common problems.
What Is iCloud Family Sharing?
Family Sharing allows up to six people total (you + five others) to share:
- iCloud storage plans (200 GB or 2 TB)
- Apple subscriptions (Apple Music, Apple TV+, etc.)
- App Store purchases
Each person keeps:
- Their own Apple ID
- Private photos, messages, and files
- Individual iCloud backups
Step 1: Choose the Right iCloud Storage Plan
Before sharing, make sure your plan is large enough.
iCloud Storage Options
- 50 GB – Not shareable
- 200 GB – Good for light family use
- 2 TB – Best for families with lots of photos and backups
Tip: If more than two people back up iPhones, 200 GB may fill up fast.
Step 2: Set Up Family Sharing
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings
- Tap [Your Name]
- Select Family Sharing
- Tap Add Family Member
- Follow the prompts to invite family members
On Mac:
- Open System Settings
- Click Family Sharing
- Add family members
Once they accept, they’ll join your family group.
Step 3: Enable iCloud Storage Sharing
After Family Sharing is set up:
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Family Sharing
- Tap iCloud Storage
- Turn on Share iCloud Storage
- Choose which family members can use it
Each member can opt in or out individually.
Step 4: Monitor Storage Usage Regularly
To avoid running out of space, check usage often.
How to Check Storage Use:
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud
- Tap Manage Storage
- Review how much each family member is using
This shows:
- Total storage used
- Storage used per person
- What types of data take up space
Step 5: Help Family Members Reduce Storage Use
If storage fills up quickly, guide family members to clean up.
Common Storage Hogs:
- iPhone backups
- Photos & videos
- Messaging app attachments
- Large app data
Quick Fixes:
- Turn off backups for unused apps
- Delete old device backups
- Enable Optimize iPhone Storage for Photos
- Remove old videos or duplicate photos
Step 6: Set Clear Storage Expectations
iCloud doesn’t let you set hard storage limits per person, so communication matters.
Best practices:
- Let everyone know how much storage is available
- Ask heavy users (like photographers or gamers) to monitor usage
- Decide when it’s time to upgrade storage
For kids, parents can review usage and guide cleanup.
Step 7: Upgrade or Downgrade When Needed
If storage keeps filling up:
To Upgrade:
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud
- Tap Manage Storage → Change Storage Plan
Upgrades take effect immediately and apply to the whole family.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
“I Can’t See Shared Storage”
- Make sure Family Sharing is enabled
- Ensure the organizer has sharing turned on
- Sign out and back into iCloud if needed
One Person Is Using Too Much Storage
- Check per‑person usage
- Ask them to disable unnecessary backups
- Consider upgrading to 2 TB
Someone Wants Their Own Storage Plan
- Family members can opt out of shared storage
- They can use their own paid iCloud plan separately
Privacy: What Family Members Can and Can’t See
✅ Can see:
- Total shared storage usage
- Their own data usage
❌ Cannot see:
- Your photos, files, messages, or backups
- What’s inside your iCloud data
Everything remains private.
Key Takeaways
- iCloud+ storage plans can be shared with up to five family members through Family Sharing, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions.
- Setting up shared storage requires an iCloud+ subscription and can be done through Settings on iPhone/iPad or System Settings on Mac.
- Each family member maintains private storage space while drawing from the same total storage pool.
Understanding iCloud Storage
iCloud storage serves as Apple’s cloud-based solution for keeping files, photos, and other data safely backed up and accessible across devices. It provides seamless integration with Apple devices while offering various storage plans to meet different needs.
What Is iCloud Storage?
iCloud storage is Apple’s cloud service that saves your important data online instead of just on your device. When you set up an Apple ID, you automatically get 5GB of free iCloud storage to start with.
This service stores your:
- Photos and videos
- Documents and files
- App data
- Device backups
- Messages
- Notes and reminders
iCloud Drive functions as the file storage component of iCloud, allowing users to store any type of file securely in the cloud. Files stored in iCloud Drive automatically sync across all devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
Users can purchase additional storage when the free 5GB fills up. Apple offers several paid plans ranging from 50GB to 12TB depending on storage needs.
Benefits of Using iCloud Storage
iCloud storage offers significant advantages over keeping files only on physical devices. The primary benefit is automatic syncing across all Apple devices, ensuring users always have access to the most current versions of their files.
Data protection is another key advantage. If a device is lost, stolen, or damaged, all information stored in iCloud remains safe and recoverable on a new device.
iCloud storage also helps free up space on physical devices. Photos, videos, and rarely used files can be stored in the cloud while remaining accessible when needed.
The service provides seamless sharing capabilities. Users can share photos, files, and even entire storage plans with family members through Family Sharing features.
For those with multiple Apple devices, iCloud creates a unified ecosystem where information flows naturally between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products.
Setting Up Family Sharing
Family Sharing allows you to share your iCloud+ subscription with up to five family members, making it a cost-effective way to manage cloud storage. Each person gets their own private storage space while drawing from the same storage plan.
Requirements for Family Sharing Setup
Before setting up Family Sharing for iCloud storage, you’ll need to meet several requirements:
- An Apple ID for each family member
- iOS 8 or later, macOS X Yosemite or later
- A valid payment method linked to the organizer’s account
- Each member must have their own device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
The family organizer needs an iCloud+ subscription that can be shared. Plans range from 50GB to 12TB of storage space. The organizer is responsible for all charges from the shared subscription.
All family members need to be using the same App Store country or region. This ensures compatibility with sharing features and services.
Creating a Family Sharing Group
To create a Family Sharing group on an iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings > tap your name
- Select Family Sharing
- Tap Set Up Your Family
- Follow the on-screen instructions to establish yourself as the family organizer
On a Mac computer, the process is similar:
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences
- Select Family Sharing
- Click Set Up Family
During setup, you’ll need to confirm the payment method that will be used for family purchases. The organizer can enable specific sharing features including iCloud+ storage, subscriptions, purchases, and location sharing.
Adding Members to Your Family Sharing Group
Once you’ve created your Family Sharing group, adding members is straightforward:
- Go to Settings > your name > Family Sharing
- Tap Add Member
- Enter their name or email address associated with their Apple ID
- Follow the prompts to send an invitation
Family members can join in two ways: accepting an invitation or in person. For the in-person method, they simply enter their Apple ID and password on your device.
To specifically share iCloud storage, go to Settings > your name > iCloud > Share with Family. This allows all family members to access the shared storage plan.
If members aren’t seeing the shared storage, check Settings > Apple ID > Family Sharing > Subscriptions and ensure iCloud+ is enabled.
Sharing iCloud Storage with Family
Apple’s iCloud+ offers a convenient way to share storage with family members. This feature helps households save money while ensuring everyone has enough cloud storage for their photos, files, and backups.
Choosing the Right Storage Plan
When selecting an iCloud+ plan to share with family, consider the collective needs of all household members. Apple offers several iCloud+ subscription tiers that can be shared with up to five other family members.
The basic free 5GB plan cannot be shared. For families, the 50GB plan might be too limited. The 200GB plan works well for smaller families or those with modest storage needs.
For households with extensive photo libraries or multiple device backups, the 2TB plan provides ample space. Apple even offers up to 12TB of shared storage for families with extensive cloud storage requirements.
Before upgrading, users should evaluate everyone’s current usage and anticipate future needs. The family organizer is responsible for payment, so choosing an appropriate plan helps avoid unexpected storage limitations.
Inviting Family Members to Share Storage
To begin sharing iCloud storage, the family organizer must first set up Family Sharing. This creates the framework for sharing various Apple services, including iCloud+.
To enable storage sharing, the organizer should go to Settings > [their name] > iCloud > Share with Family. The system will then guide them through the process of activating this feature.
Adding members requires sending invitations via Messages. Recipients must accept these invitations to join the Family Sharing group and gain access to the shared storage.
All family members maintain private iCloud accounts. While they share the storage pool, they cannot access each other’s files, photos, or backups. This preserves individual privacy within the family arrangement.
New members can be added at any time through the Family Sharing settings. The organizer can manage sharing through the “Family Checklist” option.
Monitoring Shared Storage Usage
Keeping track of how family members use the shared storage helps prevent running out of space. The family organizer can monitor usage patterns through Settings.
To check usage, the organizer should navigate to Settings > [their name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. This displays a breakdown showing how much space each family member is using.
If certain members are consuming disproportionate amounts of storage, the organizer can discuss better usage habits. Common storage-intensive items include:
- Photo libraries
- Device backups
- App data
- Messages with large attachments
Family members can manage their individual storage by reviewing their largest files and deleting unnecessary content. The Family Sharing system allows everyone to see their own usage statistics and make informed decisions.
When approaching capacity limits, consider either upgrading to a larger plan or helping family members clean up their cloud storage to free up space.
Managing iCloud Storage
Effective iCloud storage management helps users maximize their available space and avoid unnecessary subscription costs. Regular maintenance and understanding storage needs are key to getting the most value from iCloud.
Understanding Your iCloud Storage Capacity
Every Apple ID comes with 5GB of free iCloud storage. This space is shared across all your Apple devices and stores your photos, videos, documents, backups, and app data.
To check your current storage usage, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll see a color-coded bar showing how much space you’re using and what’s taking up that space.
The largest storage consumers typically include:
- Photos and videos in iCloud Photos
- Device backups (especially if you back up multiple devices)
- Messages (particularly if you store message attachments)
- iCloud Drive documents and files
Apple offers iCloud+ subscriptions with larger storage options ranging from 50GB to 12TB, depending on your needs.
Freeing Up iCloud Storage Space
When your iCloud storage gets full, you don’t always need to upgrade. There are several ways to reclaim space.
Start by deleting unnecessary backups. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups. Remove backups from old devices you no longer use.
For photos, enable “Optimize iPhone Storage” in Photos settings. This keeps smaller versions on your device while full-resolution originals stay in iCloud.
You can free up significant space by removing large attachments in Messages. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages > Review Large Attachments.
Delete unwanted files from iCloud Drive through the Files app. These actions can help avoid paying for storage you don’t need.
Upgrading or Downgrading Your iCloud Storage Plan
If you need more space, upgrading your iCloud storage is simple. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Change Storage Plan.
Current iCloud+ plans include:
- 50GB for $0.99/month
- 200GB for $2.99/month
- 2TB for $9.99/month
- 6TB and 12TB options for larger needs
The 200GB and 2TB plans can be shared with your family through Family Sharing, giving up to five other family members access to your storage pool.
To downgrade, follow the same path but select a smaller plan. Any downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
Remember that if you downgrade and your stored data exceeds the new limit, some iCloud features will stop working until you reduce your usage.
Device-Specific Guidance
Sharing iCloud storage works differently depending on which Apple device you’re using. The process requires specific navigation paths through settings menus that vary between iOS, iPadOS, and macOS systems.
Sharing iCloud Storage on iOS and iPadOS
On iPhone and iPad, sharing iCloud storage begins in the Settings app. Users need to tap on their Apple ID name at the top of the screen, then select Family Sharing. From there, tap Set Up Family Sharing if it hasn’t been configured yet.
Once Family Sharing is activated, tap on iCloud+ under the Subscriptions section. The device will display the current iCloud+ subscription that can be shared with family members.
To add family members, tap the Share with Family option. Users can then select which people to include (up to five additional people). Each person will receive a notification to accept the shared storage.
Family members can check their available storage by going to Settings > [Apple ID] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
Sharing iCloud Storage on macOS
On Mac computers, the process starts in System Preferences (or System Settings in newer macOS versions). Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences/Settings.
Click on your Apple ID, then select the Family Sharing option in the sidebar. If Family Sharing isn’t set up yet, follow the prompts to create a family group first.
Once Family Sharing is configured, click on iCloud+ in the shared features list. The Mac will show the current iCloud+ subscription details and sharing status.
Click Share with Family to enable sharing. Family members will get a notification about the shared storage plan. Each person maintains their own private iCloud account but draws from the shared storage pool.
Additional iCloud Services and Features
When you share iCloud storage with family members, you get more than just extra space. Apple offers several premium features that enhance security, privacy, and convenience for everyone in your Family Sharing group.
iCloud+ Exclusive Features
iCloud+ subscribers receive exclusive features beyond just storage space. The iCloud+ subscription includes premium services that everyone in your Family Sharing group can access.
One standout feature is Hide My Email, which lets family members create unique, random email addresses when signing up for services online. These addresses forward to their real email, protecting their primary address from spam.
Family members also get access to custom email domains with iCloud Mail. This allows everyone to use personalized email addresses (like [email protected]) while managing them through the familiar iCloud Mail interface.
These features work seamlessly across Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. All family members can access them without needing to set up separate subscriptions.
Using HomeKit Secure Video with Family Sharing
HomeKit Secure Video provides secure storage for footage from compatible security cameras. With Family Sharing enabled, everyone in the family can view camera feeds and recordings.
The service encrypts video footage before uploading it to iCloud, ensuring privacy. Recorded clips don’t count against your shared storage limit—a significant benefit for families with multiple cameras.
Family members can receive notifications when activity is detected and view live feeds from their devices. They can also control which family members have access to specific cameras.
HomeKit Secure Video supports up to five cameras with the 200GB plan and unlimited cameras with the 2TB or larger iCloud+ plans. This makes it ideal for families wanting comprehensive home security without additional subscription costs.
Leveraging iCloud Private Relay for Privacy
iCloud Private Relay is an innovative privacy feature that protects browsing activity in Safari. When family members share an iCloud+ subscription, everyone gets access to this powerful privacy tool.
The service works by routing web traffic through two separate relays. This process prevents anyone—including Apple—from seeing both who is browsing and what sites they’re visiting.
Family members can easily toggle Private Relay on or off in their iCloud settings. The feature works automatically in the background once enabled, with minimal impact on browsing speed.
Private Relay is particularly valuable for families with children, adding an extra layer of online protection. It works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices running recent operating system versions.
This feature complements other privacy protections in the Apple ecosystem, creating a more secure online environment for the entire family.
Optimizing Family Access to Apple Services
Family Sharing makes it easy to get more value from your Apple subscriptions. By setting up this feature, you can share various services with up to five family members without sharing your personal accounts.
Sharing Subscriptions Like Apple Music and Apple News+
With Family Sharing, your family can enjoy premium Apple services under a single subscription. Apple Music’s Family Plan gives everyone access to millions of songs with their own personalized libraries and recommendations.
To enable sharing for Apple Music:
- Open Settings on your device
- Tap your name at the top
- Select “Family Sharing”
- Tap “Add Services”
- Choose “Apple Music”
Similarly, Apple News+ can be shared through Family Sharing, giving everyone access to hundreds of magazines and premium news content.
Each family member will need to accept the invitation to join the family group. Once accepted, they can access these services through their own Apple ID while the family organizer manages the billing.
Managing Family Access to iTunes and App Store Purchases
Family Sharing allows everyone in the group to access each other’s purchased apps, books, and media without sharing passwords.
To manage purchase sharing settings:
- On Mac: Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Family > Purchase Sharing
- On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > [your name] > Family Sharing > Purchase Sharing
The family organizer can enable “Ask to Buy” for younger family members, requiring approval for all purchases. This feature provides control over what children download, even if the content is free.
Previously purchased content automatically becomes available to family members through their own accounts. Family members can download these items from the App Store or iTunes by selecting the purchased tab and filtering by family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many iCloud users have common questions about sharing storage with family members. Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about iCloud Family Sharing features.
How can I set up iCloud storage sharing on my iPhone?
Setting up iCloud storage sharing starts in your iPhone Settings app. Tap on your name at the top of Settings, then select “Family Sharing.”
From there, tap on “iCloud+” and follow the prompts to share your existing plan with family members. You’ll need to be subscribed to iCloud+ to share storage.
Make sure you’re the family organizer before attempting to set up storage sharing. Only the organizer can share their iCloud+ subscription with the family.
What are the steps to add a family member to my iCloud storage plan?
First, ensure you’ve already set up Family Sharing and are the family organizer. Go to Settings, tap your name, and select “Family Sharing.”
Tap “Add Member” and enter their name or email address associated with their Apple ID. You can also send an invitation through Messages directly from the Family Sharing screen.
Once they accept the invitation, they’ll automatically have access to the shared iCloud storage without any additional steps needed.
Can family members view my personal data if I share my iCloud storage with them?
No, sharing iCloud storage doesn’t mean sharing your personal files. When you share an iCloud+ subscription, data stays personal and private under each Apple ID.
Family members can only see their own photos, documents, backups, and other data. The only thing you’re sharing is the storage capacity, not the actual content stored in iCloud.
This privacy protection is built into Family Sharing by design, ensuring everyone maintains their personal digital space.
What are the limitations on the number of family members who can use shared iCloud storage?
With Family Sharing, you can share your iCloud+ subscription with up to five other family members, for a total of six people including yourself.
This means you and five additional people can benefit from the same storage plan. Everyone shares the total storage capacity, which can be up to 12TB with the largest iCloud+ plan.
Remember that only one account can offer family sharing of iCloud storage at a time. If multiple family members have individual iCloud+ subscriptions, only the family organizer’s plan can be shared.
What troubleshooting steps should I take if Family Sharing for iCloud storage is not working?
First, verify that all family members have accepted their Family Sharing invitations. Check this in Settings > [your name] > Family Sharing.
Ensure everyone is using the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. Outdated software can sometimes cause sharing issues.
Try signing out of iCloud and back in again on devices experiencing problems. Go to Settings > [your name], scroll down, tap Sign Out, then sign back in with your Apple ID.
If a family member previously had their own iCloud+ subscription, make sure it’s canceled so they can properly use the family’s shared storage.
Are there different iCloud storage plans available for Family Sharing?
Yes, Apple offers several iCloud+ plans that can be shared with family members. The basic 50GB plan is available, but many families opt for larger plans.
The 200GB and 2TB plans are popular for families due to their increased capacity. For those with extensive storage needs, plans up to 12TB are available for Family Sharing.
Each plan includes not only shared storage but also other iCloud+ features like Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domains that all family members can enjoy.
