Maximise your iCloud storage space by changing backup settings

When your iPhone or iPad warns you iCloud is running low on storage space, you can avoid buying more space by changing what iCloud backs up. Over at the How-To Geek, they suggest looking at the app data iOS backs up. Some of the apps are already cloud-based and don't need backups from your device.

To see how much space your apps are using, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup > Manage Storage. Tap your device under 'Backups'. Then, under 'Backup Options', tap 'Show All Apps'. You'll see how much data each app is using on iCloud.

We tested this out and found that Evernote took up 1.2 GB of iCloud backup space. Since Evernote is already cloud-based, one doesn't need it backed up by iCloud. If you need to restore your iPad, you can download that data again from Evernote.

Even if you aren't running out of space on iCloud, you might turn off some of the cloud-based backups. A streamlined backup saves time and bandwidth if you are on a metered or slow connection.