Regardless of how much internal storage your iPad comes with, Apple gives you just 5 GB of iCloud storage by default, which you can use to store files and back up your device in the cloud.
That might not sound like a lot, especially when your iPad might come equipped with as much as 1 TB of internal storage space, but depending upon how you use your iPad, it might be sufficient. iCloud doesn't back up the operating system files, for example, nor does it back up files that are identical on both your iPad and iPhone.
If you don't create a lot of content or store enormous amounts of music and video files on your iPad, 5 GB could be enough for a long time. But if you do store large quantities of photos, videos, and apps, you're eventually going to need more space.
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iPad (From $329.99 at Best Buy)
iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)
How to choose an iCloud storage plan
Apple offers four storage plan options, each of which are shared among all the devices that use the same Apple ID. That means if you have an iPhone and an iPad, they'll both be able to use whatever storage plan you choose.
- 5 GB. When you buy a new iOS device, you get this plan for free.
- 50 GB. This is the most common plan for iPad users, since it's generally enough storage to backup both an iPad and an iPhone at once. It costs $0.99 per month.
- 200 GB. This is a "family plan" which can be shared among all the devices in a household, and costs $2.99 per month.
- 2 TB. This is a lot of storage, and it's aimed at users who use iCloud for heavy-duty cloud storage. It's also a family plan that can be shared among all the devices in a household, and costs $9.99 per month.
How to get more iCloud storage on your iPad
1. Start the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Tap "iCloud."
4. Tap "Manage Storage."
5. Tap "Change Storage Plan." If you're running low on space, this will be replaced with a window telling you to buy more space — if this is the case, tap "Upgrade."
6. On the Upgrade iCloud Storage pop-up, choose the plan you want to upgrade to. Then tap "Buy" and enter your Apple ID password.
Note that you can also downgrade to a lower storage plan, or go back to the free 5 GB, by opening the Upgrade iCloud Storage window and tapping "Downgrade Options."
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