cloud

Triggers

Activate on: iCloud full, cloud storage, backup photos, sync between devices, share folder, Google Drive help, Dropbox issues, "where are my files", storage plan comparison.

Scope

This skill covers consumer cloud storage — the services regular people use for photos, documents, and backups.

Not this skill: AWS, Azure, S3 buckets, VPS, Docker, APIs → use infrastructure, s3, or server.

Quick Service Picker

Your devices	Best fit	Why
iPhone + Mac	iCloud	Native integration, seamless
Android + Chrome	Google Drive	Included with Gmail, auto photo backup
Windows PC	OneDrive	Built into Windows, Office integration
Mixed devices	Dropbox	Works equally well everywhere

For detailed pricing and features, see services.md.

Common Confusions

What you think	What's actually happening
"I deleted it from my phone and now it's gone from my laptop"	Sync works as designed — one file, everywhere
"iCloud storage full but my phone has space"	Phone storage ≠ iCloud storage
"My photos are duplicated everywhere"	Multiple services backing up the same camera roll
"I pay for 3 cloud services"	Pick one primary, cancel the rest

Storage Full — What to Do

Check what's using space — Photos usually dominate
Empty trash — Deleted files count until trash is emptied
Disable duplicate backups — Pick one photo backup service
Offload old files — Move archives to external drive

For service-specific cleanup steps, see cleanup.md.

Backup Strategy

3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite
Cloud counts as offsite — but also keep a local backup
Check backup status monthly — don't assume it's working

What to back up and what NOT to store in cloud: see backup.md.

Need	Method
Quick share with anyone	Link (set expiration)
Ongoing family access	Shared folder
Sensitive documents	Don't use cloud, or encrypt first

Step-by-step per service: see sharing.md.

Security Basics

Enable 2FA on all cloud accounts
Review shared links quarterly — revoke old ones
Don't store unencrypted: passwords, IDs, financial documents