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How to Clear iCloud Storage and Free Up Space Easily?

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Rollins Duke   Contributor
Published On August 27th, 2025 • 8 Min Read
Star Rating4.9based on 1207 user reviews

If you’re looking for how to clear iCloud storage without losing data then you are at the right page. This guide will help you to gain every detail about how to clean up iCloud storage hassle-free, following different practices. Apple provides only 5 GB of free iCloud storage which quickly fills up with photos, videos, app data, backups and files. Once users start getting text like iCloud storage full, they will start facing issues like backup failures, synchronization errors and more.

In this guide, we will explain how to clear iCloud storage, why it is important to manage it, quick and reliable methods including automated and manual fixes. Be with us till the end to ensure your iCloud account stays organized and clean while maintaining data safety. Let’s start the article.

How to Clear iCloud Storage? Quick Steps

  1. Download iCloud Cleanup tool on your device.
  2. Select iCloud and enter account credentials.
  3. After that, choose required files or folders to download.
  4. Pick one saving option from the list.
  5. Browse destination path and click Backup to free up iCloud storage.

Understanding iCloud Storage

iCloud storage is shared across all Apple devices using the same Apple ID. That means if you own an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, all of them contribute to filling up that 5GB quota. If you don’t clear iCloud storage regularly, you risk losing the ability to back up your device or store new files.

iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service that securely stores photos, videos, documents, emails, contacts and app data. It ensures seamless sync with all Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac. Every Apple user gets only 5GB of free storage space but with high resolution photos and large MB apps, users often get iCloud storage full messages.

Using the same Apple ID, you can share documents across all devices. That means if you use any device it will contribute to that 5GB only. If you don’t clear iCloud storage regularly then it may increase the risk of losing data or lack in storing new files.

How to Check iCloud Storage?

On iPhone/iPad: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage
On Mac: Apple Menu > System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud

Why You Should Learn How to Free Up iCloud Storage?

Before directly discussing the methods it is essential to know key benefits of freeing up iCloud storage. We have listed some of them below:

  • One of the major reasons is to keep device backup running without any interruptions so that you don’t lose any important data.
  • Instead of paying extra for iCloud storage, you can clear iCloud storage space by removing unwanted files.
  • A clutter-free iCloud account helps users to organize emails in the proper manner to make them accessible when required.
  • By learning how to clear iCloud storage without losing photos helps to protect photos while keeping accounts managed.
  • When your iCloud storage is free, the sync process will become faster across all apple devices.

In short exploring how to free up iCloud storage not only helps in saving storage space but it also ensures data safety and better device performance.

How to Clean Up iCloud Storage Manually?

Here are some manual ways on how to clear iCloud storage. Read them properly to avoid complications.

1. Delete Old iCloud Backups

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups.
  • Select an old device and tap Delete Backup.

This is one of the easiest ways to clear iCloud storage on iPhone as old backups also take unnecessary space.

2. Manage iCloud Photos and Videos

  • Enable Optimize iPhone Storage in Settings > Photos.
  • Delete unwanted screenshots, duplicates and photos/videos from your device.
  • Clear your Recently deleted folder.

Move your important files to Google photos or any other device and remove them from iCloud.

3. Free Up iCloud Storage

  • Delete old emails with large attachments.
  • Empty the trash or spam folder as well. They also consume storage space.

4. Clear iCloud Drive Storage

  • On iPhone: Open the Files app > iCloud Drive and delete unwanted files. Empty resented deleted folder as well.
  • On Mac: Open Finder > iCloud drive and clean up items.

This is a quick way to clean iCloud drive storage and free storage space.

5. Manage Messages and App data

  • Delete old or new conversations with large attachments from iMessage.
  • Turn off iCloud backup of apps that are unnecessary. Go to Settings > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups > Choose Apps to Backup.

6. Transfer Data to Another Device

  • Backup your iCloud data to another device or external device.
  • Otherwise, transfer them on Google drive, google photos, OneDrive etc.
Limitations of Manual Methods
  • These are time-consuming processes as you need to delete files or emails one-by-one.
  • In cases, once you have deleted, recovery of files becomes difficult.
  • In manual ways, it is hard to identify duplicate files or hidden ones.
  • Not an ideal solution for users dealing with large volumes of data.

To overcome these issues and enjoy a hassle-free experience, it is suggested to use an automated iCloud eraser tool.

Pro Tip: How to Clear iCloud Storage using iCloud Eraser?

If you want a fast and safe way to free up iCloud storage then go with the professional trusted method. Use Email Backup Software to clear iCloud storage without losing photos and other essential data. It is an all-in-one solution to backup iCloud account in bulk if you are getting iCloud storage full messages. It supports a user-friendly and clean interface which makes it smooth for all types of users to clear iCloud storage without facing many complications. This tool backup iCloud emails, attachments and data to your computer or any other email account while maintaining original data formatting and in batch, saving valuable time and effort.

The comprehensive iCloud eraser tool not only cleans your iCloud account but also exports data into multiple file formats, opening a wide path for users when it comes to sharing iCloud data across platforms. Additionally, it offers a free demo version to allow users to test tool workings and features before inverting into it.

How to Empty iCloud Storage? Step-by-Step
  1. Download and launch the iCloud Eraser Tool on your device.
  2. Choose iCloud from email source options and enter your account credentials.
    account credentials
  3. Once done, select required files or folders which you want to backup.
    select icloud files
  4. Select one saving option from the list as per your choice.
    how to clear icloud storage
  5. At last, set one destination path and click Backup to clear iCloud storage.
Core Features of Using iCloud Clean Up Tool
  • The tool allows you to save all iCloud account data without losing data.
  • Supports multiple export options such as PST, EML, MBOX, PDF, Gmail, Outlook and more.
  • Users can selectively backup iCloud accounts as well as in bulk in one go.
  • The iCloud eraser believes in preserving folder hierarchy and originality of attachments intact during the process.
  • It is a 100% safe and secure software as there are no chances of data loss or file corruption.
  • Works smoothly with all versions of Windows and Mac OS whether you are using latest or old editions.
  • Supports direct migration of iCloud emails to Gmail, Thunderbird, Outlook and other email platforms without any limitations.
  • No file limit is there, users can seamlessly backup large iCloud files.
Conclusion

If your iCloud storage full, and you truly want to clear iCloud storage space, then use the professional tool mentioned above. While manual methods do exist, they often consume much time and lose data. That is why, to avoid these situations, choose an automated approach. It gives you flexibility and advanced features. In addition, it will ensure data safety and save money for purchasing the extra space. If you still have any query, feel free to contact our support team.

FAQs: Clear iCloud Storage

Q1. How to clear iCloud storage on iPhone?
To free up iCloud storage on iPhone, follow these steps: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage. This way, you can delete iCloud storage and free up space in no time.

Q2. How to clear iCloud storage without losing photos?
Backup your photos and videos to your device or another cloud service using the automated iCloud eraser tool. This will ensure you have a safe copy of memories before clearing iCloud storage.

Q3. Why does my iCloud storage stay full even after deleting files?
iCloud storage still appears full this may be because of hidden data like old device backups, app data or cached files which are consuming storage space and you forgot to delete them. Visit the recently deleted folder and empty it.

Q4. How to free up iCloud storage on iPad or Mac?
Steps to clear iCloud storage on Mac and iPad are as follows:

  • iPad- Go to Settings > iCloud > Manage Storage > Delete backups/photos.
  • Mac- Navigate to System Settings > iCloud > Manage > Delete unwanted files and backups.

Q5. Can I clean up iCloud storage free instead of upgrading?
Yes, you can free up iCloud storage for free by deleting unwanted files, large attachments and iCloud drive files. This will help you save money and not to pay for extra storage.

Star Rating 4.9 based on 1207 user reviews
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By Rollins Duke

Rollins Duke is a content curator with a unique blend of technical expertise. Specializing in email migration, data backup, and conversion, He has a proven track record of simplifying complex processes. As a content creator, Rollins excels in presenting information in a clear and engaging manner.