Every Apple ID comes with 5 GB of free iCloud storage, which fills up quickly once you factor in iPhone backups, photos, and app data. Before spending money on a storage upgrade, it is worth checking what is actually consuming your space and clearing out items you no longer need. Here is how to do a thorough iCloud storage audit.
How to Check What Is Using Your iCloud Storage
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name at the very top of the screen.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap Manage Account Storage. A ranked list will appear, showing every service and app using your iCloud space from largest to smallest.
Delete Old iPhone Backups
Old device backups are frequently the single largest consumer of iCloud space, especially if you have upgraded your iPhone and the old backup was never removed.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups.
- You will see a list of device backups stored in your account. Tap any backup you no longer need.
- Tap Delete & Turn Off Backup and confirm. The space will be reclaimed almost immediately.
Clear Out Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are usually the second largest consumer of iCloud space. Open the Photos app and delete any duplicates, blurry shots, or videos you no longer need. After deleting, go to Albums > Recently Deleted and tap Delete All to permanently remove them and reclaim the storage immediately. Photos stay in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days before being automatically purged, so emptying this folder is a necessary step.
Remove App Data from iCloud
Many apps back up their data to iCloud automatically, even apps you rarely use. To disable iCloud backup for specific apps:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Tap Show All under the Apps Using iCloud section.
- Toggle off any apps you do not need backed up to iCloud. Their data will stop syncing going forward, freeing up space over time.
Delete Files from iCloud Drive
Open the Files app on your iPhone and navigate to the iCloud Drive section. Review any documents, downloads, or folders that you no longer need and delete them. As with photos, check the Recently Deleted folder inside the Files app and empty it to immediately recover that space.