How to Delete iCloud Storage

Apple provides iCloud storage to help users back up their photos, documents, and app data. However, with only 5GB of free space, users often run out of storage quickly. Understanding how to delete iCloud storage can help you manage your files better and free up valuable space. In this guide, we will walk you through different methods to delete unwanted data from iCloud effectively.

How to Delete iCloud Storage on iPhone and iPad

If your iCloud storage is full, you can delete unnecessary files directly from your iPhone or iPad. Follow these steps to learn how to delete iCloud storage efficiently:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top.
3. Select iCloud and then Manage Storage.
4. Identify the apps consuming the most space.
5. Tap on the app and choose Delete Data to remove unnecessary files.
6. Repeat the process for other apps to free up more space.

By following these steps, you can quickly delete unwanted files and optimize your iCloud storage.

How to Delete iCloud Backups

Old iCloud backups can take up a significant amount of space. Here’s how to delete iCloud storage by removing unnecessary backups:

1. Go to Settings and tap on your Apple ID.
2. Select iCloud, then Manage Storage.
3. Tap on Backups to see a list of your device backups.
4. Select the backup you want to delete.
5. Tap Delete Backup and confirm.

Deleting old backups is an effective way to free up iCloud storage, especially if you have multiple devices backed up.

How to Delete Photos from iCloud

Photos and videos often consume the most iCloud space. If you want to delete them, follow these steps on how to delete iCloud storage by removing media files:

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Go to Albums and select Recently Deleted.
3. Empty the Recently Deleted folder to free up space.
4. If you use iCloud Photos, go to iCloud.com and log in.
5. Select and delete the photos you no longer need.

Remember, deleted photos stay in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days before being permanently removed.

How to Delete iCloud Drive Files

iCloud Drive stores documents, PDFs, and other files that may not be needed anymore. Here’s how to delete iCloud storage by removing files from iCloud Drive:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Tap on iCloud Drive under Locations.
3. Select the files you want to delete.
4. Tap the Trash icon to remove them.
5. Go to the Recently Deleted folder and empty it.

Deleting unnecessary files from iCloud Drive can free up substantial space and keep your storage organized.

How to Delete Mail and Messages from iCloud

iCloud Mail and Messages can also take up storage. Here’s how to delete iCloud storage by clearing emails and message backups:

1. Open the Mail app and delete large or old emails.
2. Empty the Trash folder in Mail.
3. For Messages, go to Settings > iCloud > Messages.
4. Disable and re-enable Messages in iCloud to remove old backups.
5. Delete large attachments manually in the Messages app.

These steps help remove unnecessary messages and emails that may be using up your iCloud space.

How to Delete App Data from iCloud

Many apps store data in iCloud, which can be deleted to free up space. Here’s how to delete iCloud storage by managing app data:

1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage.
2. Scroll down to find the apps storing data in iCloud.
3. Tap on the app and choose Delete Data.
4. Confirm the deletion.

Doing this regularly ensures that unnecessary app data does not consume valuable iCloud space.

How to Prevent iCloud Storage from Filling Up Again

After learning how to delete iCloud storage, it’s essential to prevent it from filling up too quickly. Follow these tips:

1. Disable iCloud backups for unnecessary apps in Settings.
2. Use an external storage device or alternative cloud storage like Google Drive.
3. Manually back up photos and videos to your computer instead of iCloud.
4. Regularly delete old messages, emails, and attachments.
5. Optimize iCloud settings to store only essential data.

By managing your iCloud settings wisely, you can prevent storage issues in the future.

Conclusion

Understanding how to delete iCloud storage is essential for managing your files efficiently. Whether you are removing old backups, deleting photos, clearing emails, or managing app data, following these steps will help you free up space. Regularly reviewing and cleaning up your iCloud storage ensures a seamless experience without unnecessary storage warnings.

FAQs

1. What happens when I delete iCloud backups?

When you delete an iCloud backup, all stored data from that backup is removed. Your device will no longer restore from that backup, so ensure you have a recent backup if needed.

2. Can I recover deleted files from iCloud?

Yes, deleted files remain in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 30 days before permanent deletion. You can restore them from iCloud.com.

3. Does deleting photos from iCloud delete them from my device?

If iCloud Photos is enabled, deleting a photo from iCloud also removes it from all synced devices. If disabled, photos remain on your device.

4. How often should I delete iCloud storage?

It depends on your storage usage. Regularly check and delete unnecessary data every few months to keep your iCloud storage optimized.

5. Can I upgrade my iCloud storage instead of deleting files?

Yes, Apple offers iCloud+ plans starting at 50GB. However, deleting unnecessary files first can help you manage storage efficiently before upgrading.