How to Delete iCloud Backups

There’s no doubt that storing backups in iCloud is useful – especially if your device is being reset for whatever reason. Backups ensure that you don’t lose any important files such as 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’s 5GB plan. Fortunately, it’s possible to delete old iCloud backups so that there’s no unnecessary data clogging up your storage.

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

How to Delete iCloud Backups From a Mac

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

If your iCloud storage becomes too full, your Mac might suffer. It could slow your computer down significantly, plus result in unwanted freezing.

To get rid of unwanted iCloud backups from your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple Menu by pressing the Apple icon in the left-hand corner of the screen.
   
2. Select “System Preferences.”
   
3. Navigate to your Apple ID. Sign in if you haven’t already.
   
4. Next, press “Manage” in the bottom-right corner.
   
5. Choose “Backups.”
   
6. Pick which backup you want to delete, then select the “Remove” icon (it looks like a minus).
   
7. Click “Delete” in the pop-up box that appears.
   
8. Hit “Done.” Repeat the steps to delete more backups.
   

How to Delete iCloud Backups From a Windows PC

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

Once you have iCloud downloaded on your Windows PC, here’s how to get rid of some backups to make more room:

1. In the taskbar, select the iCloud icon, then click on “Open iCloud Settings.”
   
2. Next to the bar showing your storage amount, hit the “Storage” button.
   
3. Next, select “Backups” in the side-tab that appears.
   
4. From the list that appears, choose the backup you want to delete and hit 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 room.

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 of your devices through your iPhone settings.

1. From your homepage, head to “Settings.”
   
2. Tap on your Apple ID profile at the top of the page.
   
3. On the next screen, select iCloud from the list of options.
   
4. Beneath the iCloud storage indicator, hit “Manage Storage.”
   
5. Next, tap “Backups.”
   
6. Choose the backup you would like to remove.
   
7. Hit “Delete Backup.”
   
8. To confirm your action, choose “Turn off and Delete” in the pop-up that appears.
   
9. Follow these steps again for any more 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 large enough to see what you’re watching or typing clearly. If you’ve ever deleted iCloud backups on an iPhone, then doing so on an iPad will be a walk in the park.

1. Navigate your way to “Settings” from your homepage.
   
2. At the top of the page, select your Apple ID (your picture is next to it.)
   
3. Underneath the storage bar, tap “Manage Storage.”
   
4. From the list of options, choose “Backups.”
   
5. Find the backup that you wish to delete.
   
6. Once you’ve selected the backup, tap “Delete Backup.”
   
7. Confirm your action in the pop-up that appears.
   
8. Repeat these steps to clear more space in your iCloud storage.

FAQs

How Do I Check to See What’s in My iCloud Storage?

From your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open “Settings” from your homepage.

2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.

3. Select iCloud.

4. You’ll notice the storage bar highlighting how much storage you’re using.

5. Below the graph, you’ll notice a list of apps and features with descriptions of how much storage they use next to them.

From your Mac:

1. Head to the “System Preferences” from the Apple Menu.

2. Click on your Apple ID, then “iCloud.”

3. Select “Manage” to see the details of your iCloud storage.

From your Windows PC:

1. Open iCloud for Windows.

2. You’ll see the bar detailing the amount of storage being used.

3. Select “Storage” for more details about individual apps.

How Do You Delete Photos From Your iPhone Without Deleting Them From iCloud?

The simplest way of doing so is to switch your iCloud backup off in your settings. Here’s how:

1. From your iPhone, head to “Settings.”

2. Tap on your Apple ID located at the top of the page.

3. Select “iCloud” (it should be the first subtitle below your name).

4. Open “Photos.”

5. Turn the toggle next to “iCloud Photos” off so it isn’t green anymore.

6. Your iCloud album will now be deleted from your iPhone.

What’s 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 whereas iCloud drive works more like Apple’s answer to Dropbox.

Do You Need to Keep Paying for iCloud Storage?

Everybody gets 5GB of free iCloud storage when they start using the Cloud. For a small fee, it’s possible to upgrade to 50GB, 200GB, OR 1TB (1 terabyte is equivalent to 1000 gigabytes). However, by managing your storage regularly, these upgrades won’t be necessary.

How Long Does Information Remain in iCloud if You Cancel Backup?

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

Make Some Room

Keeping iCloud backups means you’re not tied to just one device. So long as you can log in to your iCloud account, you’ll be able to access data from anywhere.

However, managing your storage is crucial. By removing unnecessary backups, you have more space for the documents you want to keep. One of the best ways to manage storage is to ensure that unwanted photos are deleted regularly.

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

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