How to delete iCloud backups

There is no doubt that storing backups in iCloud is useful, especially if your device is restored for any reason. Backups ensure that you don’t lose important files like documents, photos, apps, and more.

However, there are times when iCloud storage needs to be managed due to space issues, particularly if you’re using an iPhone 5GB plan. Fortunately, it is possible to delete old iCloud backups so that there is no unnecessary data clogging up your storage space.

This article will walk you through the steps to delete iCloud backups on a variety of devices.

How to Backup iPhone to iCloud

How to delete iCloud backups from a Mac

If you own an Apple device, you will notice that iCloud backs up all data on your device every day. But only if your device is turned on and connected to a working Wi-Fi connection.

If your iCloud storage becomes too full, your Mac may be affected. It could significantly slow down your computer, as well as cause an unwanted freeze.

To delete unwanted iCloud backups from your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple menu by pressing the Apple icon in the left corner of the screen.
2. Select “System Preferences”.
3. Log in to your Apple ID. Sign in if you haven’t already.
4. Then, hit “Manage” in the lower right corner.
5. Choose “Backup”.
6. Choose which backup you want to delete, then select the “Remove” icon (it looks like a minus sign).
7. Click “Delete” in the pop-up window that appears.
8. Press “Done”. Repeat the steps to delete multiple backups.

How to delete iCloud backups from a Windows PC

On a Windows PC, you can use the iCloud for Windows app to delete any unwanted backups. If you don’t already have it installed, you can do so by going to the website of Apple or on store of Microsoft .

After downloading iCloud to your Windows PC, here’s how to delete some backups to make more space:

1. In the system tray, select the iCloud icon, then click “Open iCloud Settings”.
2. Next to the bar showing the amount of storage space, press the “Storage” button.
3. Then, select “Backup” in the side tab that appears.
4. From the list that appears, choose the backup you want to delete and press the “Delete” button.
5. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Click “Delete” again.
6. Repeat the following steps to delete even more backups in your iCloud to make more space.

How to delete iCloud backups from an iPhone

Apple’s iCloud is the most used cloud service, with most people using it for music. As a result, many tend to manage their iCloud storage directly from their iPhones.

You can easily remove any unwanted backups on any device via your iPhone settings.

1. From your home page, go to “Settings”.
2. Tap your Apple ID profile at the top of the page.
3. On the next screen, select iCloud from the list of options.
4. Under the iCloud storage indicator, hit “Manage Storage”.
5. Then, tap “Backup”.
6. Choose the backup you want to remove.
7. Press “Delete backup”.
8. To confirm your action, choose “Deactivate and delete” in the popup that appears.
9. Follow these steps again for any other backups you want to delete.

How to delete iCloud backups from an iPad

IPads are great for storing data. They’re small enough to use on the go, but big enough to clearly see what you’re looking at or typing. If you’ve ever deleted iCloud backups on an iPhone, doing it on an iPad will be a breeze.

1. Navigate to “Settings” from your home page.
2. At the top of the page, select your Apple ID (next to your photo).
3. Under the storage bar, tap “Manage Storage”.
4. From the list of options, choose “Backup”.
5. Find the backup you want to delete.
6. After selecting the backup, tap “Delete Backup”.
7. Confirm your action in the pop-up that appears.
8. Repeat these steps to free up more space on your iCloud storage.

FAQ

How can I check what’s on my iCloud storage?

From your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open “Settings” from your home page.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Select iCloud. You will notice the storage bar highlighting the amount of storage you are using.
4. Below the graph, you’ll notice a list of apps and features with descriptions of how much storage they use next to it.

From your Mac:

1. Go to “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
2. Click your Apple ID, then click “iCloud”.
3. Select “Manage” to see your iCloud storage details.

From your Windows PC:

1. Open iCloud for Windows.
2. You will see the bar detailing the amount of storage used.
3. Select “Storage” for more details on the individual apps.

How do you delete photos from your iPhone without deleting them from iCloud?

The easiest way to do this is to turn off iCloud backup in settings. That’s how:

1. From your iPhone, go to “Settings”.
2. Tap your Apple ID located at the top of the page.
3. Select “iCloud” (it should be the first subtitle under your name).
4. Open “Photos”.
5. Turn off the switch next to “iCloud Photos” so it’s no longer green.
6. Your iCloud album will now be deleted from your iPhone.

What is the difference between iCloud Storage and iCloud Drive?

Both iCloud storage and iCloud drive are cloud services offered by Apple. iCloud is a storage service used for various services, while the iCloud drive works more like Apple’s answer to Dropbox.

Do you need to continue paying for iCloud storage?

Everyone gets 5GB of free iCloud storage when they start using the Cloud. For a small fee, you can upgrade to 50GB, 200GB, or 1TB (1 terabyte equals 1000 gigabytes). However, if you manage your storage on a regular basis, these updates will not be necessary.

How long does the information remain in iCloud if you cancel the backup?

If you disable an iCloud backup on your chosen device, your latest backup will be stored for up to 180 days.

Make some space

Keeping iCloud backups means you’re not tied to just one device. As long as you can log into your iCloud account, you will be able to access the data from anywhere.

However, storage management is key. By removing unnecessary backups, you have more space for the documents you want to keep. One of the best ways to manage storage space is to make sure unwanted photos are deleted regularly.

We hope this article helped you better understand how to delete unwanted backups from various devices that support iCloud.

Have you tried deleting an iCloud backup? If so, how did you find the process? Let us know in the comments below.