Step-by-Step Guide: How To Delete From ICloud Storage

iCloud storage is a convenient and reliable way to store your photos, files, backups, and more, but it can fill up quickly. If you're running out of space or just want to manage your storage better, learning how to delete from iCloud storage is essential. This process not only helps you free up space but also ensures that your iCloud account runs efficiently.

Apple's iCloud service comes with 5GB of free storage for every user, which can be limiting if you're not careful about what you store. Photos, videos, app data, and backups can quickly eat up that space, leaving you with the dreaded "Storage Full" notification. Thankfully, deleting unwanted files or backups from iCloud is straightforward if you know where to look.

In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to delete from iCloud storage. From understanding what takes up space to removing unnecessary backups, photos, and files, this article covers it all. Whether you're accessing iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, or computer, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

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Table of Contents

• What is iCloud Storage?
• Why Should You Manage Your iCloud Storage?
• What Files Take Up Space in iCloud?
• How to Check iCloud Storage?
• How to Delete Backups from iCloud Storage?
• Can You Delete Photos from iCloud?
• How to Remove Files from iCloud Drive?
• How to Delete App Data from iCloud?
• How to Manage Mail Storage in iCloud?
• How to Delete Messages and Attachments from iCloud?
• How to Delete Shared Files from iCloud?
• Can You Recover Deleted iCloud Files?
• How to Prevent iCloud Storage from Filling Up?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What is iCloud Storage?

iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage solution that allows users to store and sync data across all their Apple devices. It provides a seamless way to back up critical data, access files, and maintain consistency between devices. With a free tier of 5GB storage, users can store photos, videos, documents, and more, or upgrade to higher storage plans for additional space.

The key advantage of iCloud storage is its integration within the Apple ecosystem. Whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch, iCloud ensures that all your data is accessible wherever you go. However, to make the most of iCloud, it’s crucial to manage it effectively and delete unnecessary items when needed.

Benefits of Using iCloud Storage

• Automatic backups for peace of mind
• Syncing of photos, videos, and documents across devices
• Access to files from anywhere with an internet connection
• Secure and encrypted storage for sensitive data

Drawbacks of Limited iCloud Storage

• Free 5GB storage fills up quickly
• Upgrading storage plans comes with a monthly cost
• Management of files can be cumbersome without proper knowledge

Why Should You Manage Your iCloud Storage?

Managing your iCloud storage is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, running out of space can disrupt your ability to back up your device, which could lead to data loss in the event of a system failure or accidental deletion. Additionally, full iCloud storage can slow down syncing processes and prevent you from uploading new files.

Key Reasons to Manage iCloud Storage

1. Ensure your backups are up-to-date and reliable
2. Prevent unnecessary files from cluttering your storage
3. Save money by avoiding unnecessary storage plan upgrades
4. Enhance device performance and syncing speeds

What Files Take Up Space in iCloud?

Before diving into how to delete from iCloud storage, it’s important to understand what files are consuming your storage. By identifying these files, you can make informed decisions about what to keep and what to delete.

Common Items That Use iCloud Storage

• Device Backups: These are complete snapshots of your iPad, iPhone, or other Apple devices.
• Photos and Videos: The Photos app often takes up a significant chunk of your storage.
• iCloud Drive Files: Documents and files stored in iCloud Drive.
• App Data: Some apps store data directly in iCloud.
• Messages: Texts, iMessages, and media attachments.
• Mail: Emails and their attachments.

How to Identify Storage-Hogging Files

To determine which files are taking up the most space, you can use your device settings:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your name at the top and select iCloud.
3. Click on Manage Storage to see a breakdown of your iCloud usage.

How to Check iCloud Storage?

Checking your iCloud storage usage is the first step towards managing it effectively. Here’s how you can do it on various devices:

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On iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on your name at the top.
3. Select iCloud, then tap Manage Storage.

On Mac

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click Apple ID and then select iCloud.
3. Click Manage to view your storage details.

On Windows PC

1. Open the iCloud for Windows app.
2. Click on Storage to view usage details.

Once you’ve identified what’s using your iCloud storage, you can proceed to delete unnecessary items. Let’s explore how to do that in the following sections.

How to Delete Backups from iCloud Storage?

Device backups can take up a significant portion of your iCloud storage, especially if you have multiple devices. Here’s how to delete old or unused backups:

Steps to Delete Backups

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your name at the top and go to iCloud.
3. Select Manage Storage, then tap Backups.
4. Choose the backup you wish to delete and tap Delete Backup.
5. Confirm the action by tapping Turn Off & Delete.

For Mac users, you can follow a similar process in the iCloud preferences pane. Deleting backups you no longer need is a quick way to free up space.

Can You Delete Photos from iCloud?

Yes, you can delete photos from iCloud to free up storage space. Photos and videos often occupy the largest portion of iCloud storage, making this an effective way to regain space.

How to Delete Photos from iCloud?

To delete photos from iCloud, follow these steps:

1. Open the Photos app on your device.
2. Select the photos or videos you want to delete.
3. Tap the Trash icon to move them to the Recently Deleted folder.
4. Go to the Recently Deleted folder and delete them permanently.

Alternatively, you can delete photos directly through the iCloud website by logging in and accessing your Photos library.

How to Remove Files from iCloud Drive?

iCloud Drive is a useful tool for storing documents and files, but it can become cluttered over time. Here’s how to remove files you no longer need:

Steps to Remove Files

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Navigate to iCloud Drive.
3. Select the files you want to delete and tap Delete.
4. Empty the Recently Deleted folder to free up space.