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Running out of iCloud storage? You’re not alone. Those pesky iCloud alerts love to pop up at the worst times. The good news? You can clear up space in a flash—and you don’t have to be a tech wizard to do it. Here are 10 simple ways to free up space on your iCloud right now. Let’s jump in!
1. Review Your iCloud Backup
Did you know your old iPhone or iPad backups could still be stored in iCloud? These ghosts of gadgets past can hog a ton of space.
To check:
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Tap your name at the top, then go to iCloud.
- Select Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage.
- Tap Backups and delete anything you no longer need.
Be careful—don’t delete the backup of your current device!
2. Turn Off Unnecessary App Backups
Some apps automatically back up to iCloud even though you may never need that data again.
To control this:
- Go to Settings → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups.
- Select your current device.
- You’ll see a list of apps using iCloud. Toggle off ones you don’t want backed up.
Every app you disable saves a little more space!
3. Delete Old iCloud Mail
Even emails can take up iCloud space—especially if they have big attachments.
To clean things up, open the Mail app:
- Search for emails with large attachments or older conversations.
- Delete what you don’t need.
- Don’t forget to empty your Trash folder to actually remove them.
4. Optimize Photo Storage
Your photos and videos might be the biggest space hogs.
Go to:
- Settings → Photos.
- Turn on iCloud Photos if it’s not already.
- Select Optimize iPhone Storage. This keeps full-resolution photos in iCloud and saves smaller versions on your device.
Helpful and space-saving!
5. Clean Up iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is like a hidden closet full of stuff you forgot you stored.
Visit the Files app on your iPhone or iPad:
- Tap Browse, then go to iCloud Drive.
- Check folders and delete files or old documents you no longer need.
- Don’t forget to clear the Recently Deleted folder afterward.
6. Clear Messages and Media
Yup, those GIFs and memes in your iMessage chats? They’re eating your iCloud space.
To check:
- Go to Settings → Messages → Keep Messages.
- Change it from Forever to 30 Days or 1 Year.
You can also head into your chat threads to clear specific photos, videos, and attachments.
7. Use Shared Albums Instead of Uploading Everything
Instead of uploading every photo to iCloud, create Shared Albums. They don’t eat up your personal iCloud space!
Here’s how:
- Go to the Photos app.
- Head to the Albums tab and scroll to Shared Albums.
- Create a new one and start sharing with friends and family.
8. Manage App Data in iCloud
Many apps save info to iCloud automatically—but do you really need your to-do list backed up there?
To review:
- Go to Settings → tap your name → iCloud.
- Scroll through the list of apps using iCloud.
- Toggle off any you don’t need backed up.
Less clutter, more freedom!
9. Delete Old Voice Memos
Got a collection of voice memos you haven’t listened to since 2018?
The Voice Memos app saves files to iCloud. Delete old ones you don’t plan to revisit.
And again: check the Recently Deleted folder afterward. You want them gone for good!
10. Upgrade Your iCloud—If You Really Need To
Okay, this one isn’t exactly “freeing up space.” But sometimes, you’ve pared down as much as you can and still need more room.
Upgrading your plan is super easy:
- Go to Settings → tap your name → iCloud.
- Select Manage Account Storage → Change Storage Plan.
- Pick the option that works for you—starting from just $0.99/month.
If it saves your sanity, it might just be worth it.
Bonus Tip: Offload to Other Storage Services
If you don’t want to pay for Apple’s storage plans, don’t forget about alternatives like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. You can move files and photos to these services and regain iCloud space without losing access to anything important.
Final Thoughts
Freeing up space on iCloud doesn’t have to feel like decluttering your attic. With just a little effort, you can breathe easy knowing you’ve made room for new memories, files, and fun.
Set a reminder to do this every few months. A little digital spring cleaning never hurt anyone!
Now go enjoy a clutter-free cloud. 🌤️
