How to Downgrade or Cancel Your iCloud+ Storage Subscription

Subscribing to an iCloud+ storage tier (50GB, 200GB, or 2TB) is convenient when backing up multiple Apple devices, storing high-resolution photo libraries, or using family sharing. However, if you recently offloaded your files to an external hard drive, transferred photos to a personal NAS, or simply want to reduce your monthly recurring subscription expenses, Apple allows you to downgrade or cancel your paid iCloud+ subscription plan anytime.

What Happens When You Downgrade iCloud+ Storage?

Before downgrading, it is vital to understand how Apple manages storage quotas and account transitions:

• Billing Cycle Completion: Your downgrade or cancellation takes effect at the end of your current monthly billing period, meaning you retain full storage access until your renewal date.
• Exceeding Free 5GB Quota: If your stored cloud data exceeds the free 5GB tier when the plan expires, iCloud stops syncing new data. Existing files are not deleted immediately, but new photos, files, and device backups will pause until space is freed.
• Loss of iCloud+ Premium Features: Cancelling your paid subscription removes access to premium iCloud+ utilities, including iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, custom email domains, and HomeKit Secure Video recording.

How to Downgrade iCloud Storage on iPhone and iPad

You can adjust your cloud subscription directly from your Apple ID settings on iOS:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your Name banner (Apple ID) at the very top of the screen.
3. Tap on iCloud.
4. Under the storage visual bar, tap Manage Account Storage (or Manage Storage).
5. Tap Change Storage Plan.
6. Scroll down and tap Downgrade Options.
7. Enter your Apple ID password or authenticate with Face ID when prompted.
8. Select your new desired storage tier (such as dropping from 200GB down to 50GB), or select the Free 5 GB tier to cancel paid storage entirely.
9. Tap Done in the top-right corner to confirm your selection.

How to Downgrade iCloud Storage on Mac

If you prefer managing your subscriptions from a computer running macOS:

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
2. Click your Name at the top of the left sidebar.
3. Click on iCloud in the main pane.
4. Click the Manage… button located next to Account Storage.
5. Click Change Storage Plan… in the top-right corner.
6. Click Downgrade Options… and authenticate with your user credentials.
7. Select your new lower plan or the free 5GB option and click Done.

Preventing Cloud Sync Errors Before the Downgrade

To avoid sudden cloud sync interruptions when returning to the 5GB plan, verify your current usage under Settings > Apple ID > iCloud. If you are using more than 5GB, download your original photos to your Mac or external drive, delete unwanted device backups, and empty the Recently Deleted album in Photos before your billing cycle ends.