Why can't I backup my iPhone with available storage?

This question has been asked many times, but the answer seems to be always „just buy more storage space“. In my case, I have just used 148 MB used from the 5GB, yet supposedly I don’t have enough space for a backup for a new phone of a week? I have virtually everything disabled what you can save, yet I still get this silly message. It seems for me that Apple is forcing people just to buy additional storage, although there is enough place for a backup.




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 1:55 AM

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Apr 13, 2025 2:23 PM in response to jannis162

"Why can't I backup my iPhone with available storage?: This question has been asked many times, but the answer seems to be always „just buy more storage space“. In my case, I have just used 148 MB used from the 5GB, yet supposedly I don’t have enough space for a backup for a new phone of a week? I have virtually everything disabled what you can save, yet I still get this silly message. It seems for me that Apple is forcing people just to buy additional storage, although there is enough place for a backup."

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Failing iCloud Backup:

In this screenshot, it depicts that "Last attempt failed" in iCloud Backup pane. Go Here: If you can't Back Up to iCloud - Apple Support


Troubleshooting Storage:


A. Troubleshooting iCloud Drive:

Export All of iCloud Drive: If it seems you don't have lots of space in iCloud Drive, then you can download all of it to an external hard drive > confirm that you can access the data > trash what's in iCloud. Use my User Tip: Getting a Quick and Direct "iCloud Drive-to-External Hard Drive" Download - Apple Support


B. Troubleshooting iPhone Storage:

Internal storage cannot be upgraded. It is what it is. So, the maximum internal storage capacity never increases, even if you upgraded your iCloud plan. Learn More here: What's the Difference Between Device Storage and iCloud Storage? Apple Support

So, what to do...

Clear Space Using my User Tips:

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Apr 6, 2025 9:24 AM in response to jannis162

You can find the storage information about your iCloud account at:

Settings > your username > iCloud

At the very top, "Storage" will give you the usage out of your total available. What does it say there?


It's possible that your iCloud account has content that is unrelated to that particular iPhone:

Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support




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Apr 13, 2025 11:04 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

So I had the fun of buying 50GB from Apple, because I knew very well that Apple was lying to people. Immediately afterwards, the backup was possible. Size: 1.61 GB. Really, people are suing Apple because of the AI, but at least it's free. The real insolence is this great memory lie.

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Apr 21, 2025 3:28 AM in response to LD150

I‘m not sure if you have read my messages. As for the phone, I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Like I have said, I have virtually everything disabled for the backup. I don’t need to backup fotos or videos or other such things. The backup has been 1,61 GB. Before I had the free plan, apple didn’t allowed me to backup. I have then bought the smallest plan with 50GB, and suddenly it was possible to backup. So clearly Apple is forcing people to buy storage for the backup, even though it’s not necessary. In my open, this is a scandal. But okay, if people accept that, then it's just like that.

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Why can't I backup my iPhone with available storage?

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