It takes just a few clicks to delete old backups from iCloud and clear your storage to make space for new files.
Contents
- Delete iCloud backup: quick guide for iOS
- When should you delete old backups from iCloud?
- What to consider in advance?
- Delete iCloud backup using iPhone or iPad
- Delete iCloud backup using a Mac
- Delete iCloud backups on Windows
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Delete iCloud backup: quick guide for iOS
- Access Settings
- Navigate to “Manage storage” in iCloud
- Select and delete backup
When should you delete old backups from iCloud?
Generally, it’s useful to create regular iCloud backups and protect all of your data. But you won’t want to hang on to all your backups forever. When your iCloud storage is full, you’ll want to delete old backups. Removing backups is also useful practice to maintain a better overview of your files. Often, you won’t really need all of those files anymore. So how do you delete a backup with iCloud?
What to consider in advance?
Before you delete an old backup from iCloud, make sure that the corresponding backup is really outdated and no longer needed. A good backup strategy optimizes data backup. Use the 3-2-1 backup rule to avoid data loss. Current backups that are still required should be left untouched. You can free up storage elsewhere or compare cloud storage options and switch to one that offers more space. However, once you’re certain that you no longer need a specific backup, you can go ahead and delete it from iCloud using any of your popular devices.
Delete iCloud backup using iPhone or iPad
- Access Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your name to launch the Apple ID account
- Select “iCloud”
- Select the “Manage storage” option beneath the bar showing your cloud storage status
- Select “Backups”
- All your existing cloud backups are shown here. Find the backup you wish to delete from iCloud
- Tap “Delete backup”
- Confirm deletion via “Deactivate and delete”
When you delete a backup from iCloud using your iPhone or iPad, the automated backup function is disabled. Undo this in two simple steps:
- Navigate to “iCloud” in Settings and select your Apple ID
- Activate “iCloud backup” in one click
Tip
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Delete iCloud backup using a Mac
You can delete an iCloud backup using your Mac. To do this, follow these steps:
- Access your Mac’s System Settings
- You’ll find “iCloud” in the “Apple ID” tab
- Select “Manage” and “Backups”
- Select the appropriate device and hit “Delete”
Delete iCloud backups on Windows
Windows gives you the option to create a Windows 11 backup and delete old backups from the iCloud. Here’s how:
- Launch iCloud for Windows
- Next to the storage bar you should see the “Storage” option.
- Select the relevant backup from “Backups”
- Click “Delete” and confirm the process
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The best online backup services compared
Many people use several devices and have data stored on them. What should you do if your data carrier fails, or the data gets lost? Backing up data is extremely important, and an online backup makes perfect sense. By doing this, you don’t risk losing your important files. What is the best option? Here is a comparison of online backup service providers.
The best online backup services comparedHow to use iCloud with a custom email domain
The new premium subscription iCloud+ gives users the opportunity to use Apple’s popular cloud service with additional features. Among other things, the paid membership allows you to link the iCloud with your personal domain to send emails in the usual Apple environment using a personalized address. We show you how to connect iCloud and your custom domain.
How to use iCloud with a custom email domainHow to delete photos from iCloud step by step
To delete iCloud photos, you can either remove them manually via the website or delete them using your iPhone. So, if you want to free up some much-needed storage space and remove unneeded data, then our step-by-step guide explains each method in more detail. We also highlight the best iPhone settings for optimal iCloud use.
How to delete photos from iCloud step by stepThe 5 best iCloud alternatives
iCloud isn’t just practical cloud storage for files, pictures and videos. It’s also a virtual drive from where you can access your personal and business data no matter your location. However, not everyone’s a fan of iCloud’s data protection. Similar services offer more storage, comparable features and store data on GDPR-compliant European servers. Here are the best iCloud alternatives.
The 5 best iCloud alternativesHow to delete your iCloud account in a few simple steps
Are you moving cloud services, switching from Apple to another provider, or just don’t use iCloud much? Then you may want to delete your iCloud account. Since the account is linked to your Apple ID, your iCloud can’t be completely deleted without deactivating your Apple ID. Here’s how to deactivate and delete iCloud from your devices.
How to delete your iCloud account in a few simple steps