Many individuals who own Apple devices rely on iCloud for their photo storage. However, there may come a time when you need to free up space and transfer your photos to a portable drive instead. This can save you money by avoiding additional iCloud storage fees. Larry from Marshville, North Carolina, is just one example of someone facing this common problem. As a seasoned tech reporter, I appreciate receiving insightful questions like Larry’s. He wants to know how he can empty his iCloud account and transfer all his photos to a thumb drive, since his iCloud storage is maxed out. Well, Larry, let me provide you with some simple solutions that may work for you.
Downloading your iCloud photos to a thumb drive is actually quite straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Access your iCloud storage location from any device, such as a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
2. Insert the thumb drive or hard drive into one of your device’s ports.
3. Visit the official iCloud website and log in using your Apple ID.
4. Click on the “Photos” option on the homepage.
5. Select the photos and videos you want to transfer to your device.
6. Click the download button located in the upper-right corner. Meanwhile, in the left-hand panel of your finder window, locate and select the thumb drive or hard drive you inserted into your device.
7. Save the selected media to your device.
Now, let’s address the type of thumb drive you can use for this purpose. If you are looking for a quick and portable solution to take your media on the go, there are plenty of thumb drives available for purchase. These drives can store tens or even hundreds of thousands of photos and videos, depending on the storage capacity. One highly-recommended option that suits Larry’s needs is the Amazon Basics 256GB USB drive. With this drive, you can save up to 64,000 12MP photos or 978 minutes of 1080P video recording. It boasts 15 times faster speed than 2.0 flash drives and offers high-quality NAND FLASH memory chips for enhanced data security. At the time of publication, it has received over 3,900 global reviews, with 76% of users granting it a 5-star rating.
Now, let’s discuss the question of whether cloud storage is worth paying for. I understand that not everyone may have the means or desire to invest in additional cloud storage. Financial priorities and limitations vary from person to person. However, if it is within your budget, I would strongly recommend considering an upgrade to your cloud storage plan. The benefits it provides are worth considering:
1. More storage space for your photos and other files.
2. Automatic backup and synchronization across all your devices.
3. Access to your data anytime and anywhere.
4. Enhanced security and privacy features.
5. Reduced risk of losing your data due to device damage or theft.
These are just a few reasons why cloud storage can be a valuable investment for those who can afford it.
Now let’s take a look at some popular cloud storage options and compare them:
iCloud+: Every Apple device comes with iCloud, providing you with 5 GB of free storage. If you’re looking for additional storage and enhanced privacy features, iCloud+ offers three plans to choose from: 50 GB for $0.99/month, 200 GB for $2.99/month, and 2 TB for $9.99/month. Each plan includes privacy features like iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video.
Google One: Google Drive allows anyone to store photos, videos, and other files for free, offering 15 GB of storage. However, if you require more space, Google One provides three subscription plans. The Basic plan offers 100 GB for $0.49/month for the first three months, then $1.99/month after. The Standard plan offers 200 GB for $0.75/month for the first three months, then $2.99/month after. The Premium plan provides 2 TB for $9.99/month. All three plans grant access to Google experts, more Google Photos editing features, a VPN for multiple devices, and a monitor for the dark web.
Dropbox: Dropbox offers various plans for personal and business use. For personal use, you can choose between two plans: Individual, which provides 2 TB of storage for $9.99/month, and Family, which offers 2 TB of storage for $16.99/month and allows up to six people to share the space. Both plans come with unlimited device linking, a 30-day file and account history, large file delivery with Dropbox Transfer, and three free eSignatures per month. Dropbox also offers plans for business purposes, ranging from Professional to Enterprise, with varying storage capacities and features.
Amazon Photos: Prime members receive free, unlimited, full-resolution photo storage and 5 GB of video storage. If you need more storage, Amazon offers multiple plan options. The choices include 100 GB for $1.99/month, 1 TB for $6.99/month, and 2 TB for $11.99/month. Additional plans are available with annual payment options, ranging from 3 TB for $179.97/year to 30 TB for $1,799.70/year. It’s unclear if these plans include extra perks like data encryption or other Amazon benefits.
In conclusion, if you find yourself running out of storage space on your cloud service, there are several alternatives available to meet your needs. Consider your monthly budget and the features offered by each cloud service, and if possible, invest in expanding your storage plan to keep all your files in a secure and accessible location. Alternatively, you can opt for a thumb drive as a one-time investment to avoid recurring costs. Choose the option that best suits your requirements and financial situation.
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