If you have an iCloud account and it’s running out of storage space, cleaning it out can help free up some of that space. Here are some steps you can follow to clean out your iCloud storage:
1. Delete unnecessary backups: Check if you have multiple device backups stored in iCloud. Delete any old or unnecessary backups to reclaim storage space.
2. Manage your photo library: iCloud automatically backs up all your photos and videos if you have enabled iCloud Photos. Review your library and delete any unwanted media files to save storage space.
3. Clear out iCloud Drive: iCloud Drive stores your files, documents, and app data. Access iCloud Drive on your devices and remove any files or folders you no longer need.
4. Clean up your email: If you use an iCloud email account, deleting old emails and emptying the trash folder can help free up some iCloud storage.
5. Review and remove unnecessary app data: Some apps use iCloud to store data, which can take up space over time. Go to Settings on your device, tap on your Apple ID, go to iCloud, and then “Manage Storage.” From there, select “Apps” and delete app data that you no longer need.
6. Manage iCloud backups of your apps: By default, iCloud automatically backs up all your apps. However, you can choose which apps’ data to back up manually. Go to Settings, tap on your Apple ID, iCloud, and then “Manage Storage.” Under “Backups,” select the apps you want to exclude from backups and turn off their backups.
7. Optimize iCloud storage on your devices: If you have limited storage on your devices, enabling the “Optimize [Device]” option for Photos and iCloud Drive can help save space. This option keeps smaller versions of your files and photos on your device, while the originals are stored in iCloud.
FAQs:
1. Can I clean out iCloud storage without losing data?
Yes, you can clean out your iCloud storage without losing any crucial data. However, it’s essential to review the content you’re deleting before confirming the deletion.
2. How often should I clean out my iCloud storage?
The frequency of cleaning out your iCloud storage depends on your storage needs. Regularly reviewing and removing unwanted data is recommended to maintain sufficient storage space.
3. Will cleaning out iCloud storage delete files from my devices?
No, cleaning out your iCloud storage only deletes the data stored in iCloud. Files saved directly on your devices will not be affected.
4. What happens if I delete a backup from iCloud?
If you delete a backup from iCloud, the corresponding data and settings of the associated device will also be deleted. Therefore, make sure to back up your device’s data before deleting any iCloud backups.
5. Will deleting photos from iCloud delete them from my devices?
If you delete photos from the iCloud Photos library, they will also be deleted from all your devices that are connected to the same iCloud account. However, deleting photos from the device’s Photos app will not remove them from iCloud.
6. Can I recover data that I accidentally deleted from iCloud?
If you accidentally delete data from iCloud, you may be able to recover it if you have a recent backup. You can restore the backup on your device and retrieve the deleted data.
7. How can I check how much iCloud storage I am using?
To check your iCloud storage usage, go to Settings on your device, tap on your Apple ID, go to iCloud, and then “Manage Storage.” It will display your current iCloud storage usage and details about what is taking up space.
BOTTOM LINE:
Cleaning out your iCloud storage can help optimize its space and ensure you have enough room for important data. Regularly reviewing and removing unnecessary backups, photos, documents, emails, and app data can significantly free up space while keeping your information intact. Remember to always double-check before deleting anything, and consider using iCloud storage management options to optimize storage.
