How to free iCloud storage by deleting old backups

Storing backups in iCloud is a great idea in case you ever need to reset your device and do not want to lose your files, app data, photos, etc. However, if you back up your devices a lot, it may take up tons of space in your iCloud storage – especially if you just have the 5GB that Apple gives you.

If you aren’t ready to upgrade to a paid iCloud storage plan, you can instead switch to backing up your device via iTunes. By backing up your device via iTunes, you can keep a local backup of your iPhone or iPad and your iCloud account storage can be used for other things. Here is our guide on how to free iCloud storage by deleting old backups.

How to free iCloud storage

How to free iCloud storage by deleting old backups

Here is all the data that gets backed up to iCloud:

  • App data
  • HomeKit configuration
  • Device settings
  • Home screen and app organization
  • iMessage, text (SMS), and MMS messages
  • Photos and videos
  • Purchase history from Apple services, like your music, movies, TV shows, apps, and books
  • Ringtones
  • Health data

All these things combined can take up quite a bit of space in your iCloud storage so deleting old backups can help ease up the data load on your device. Remember to back up your iPhone or iPad via iTunes before you try to free iCloud storage via deleting old backups.

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top.How to free iCloud storage
  3. Tap on iCloud.iCloud-2
  4. Next, tap Manage Storage under iCloud.How to free iCloud storage
  5. Tap Backup.How to free iCloud storage
  6. Select the device whose backup you want to delete.How to free iCloud storage
  7. Tap Delete Backup > Turn Off and Delete.How to free iCloud storage

We hope this guide helped you to free iCloud storage on your device.

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.