Hi there! I'm a data management specialist with years of experience helping people wrangle their digital lives. A common question I get is, "How do I delete from iCloud?" It seems straightforward, but there's actually a bit more to it than hitting the delete button.

Let's dive into the different ways you can delete data from iCloud, and the implications of each method.

Understanding What iCloud Stores

Before we start deleting, it's important to know what iCloud actually stores. Essentially, iCloud is Apple's cloud storage and syncing service. It keeps your:

* Photos and Videos: If you use iCloud Photos, your entire photo and video library is stored in iCloud and synced across your devices.
* Documents and Data: This includes files you create in Apple apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, as well as data from third-party apps that use iCloud.
* Mail, Contacts, Calendars: Your Apple Mail messages, contacts list, and calendar events are all stored in iCloud.
* Device Backups: iCloud can back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, including app data, settings, and device preferences.

Methods to Delete Data from iCloud

Here are the primary ways to delete data from iCloud:

* Deleting Individual Files:

* On an iPhone or iPad: Open the Files app > Browse > iCloud Drive. Tap "Select" > choose the files or folders > tap the trash icon.
* On a Mac: Open Finder > iCloud Drive. Select the files or folders > move them to the Trash or right-click and select "Delete."
* On iCloud.com: Sign in to iCloud.com > open the relevant app (Photos, iCloud Drive, etc.) > select the files > click the trash icon.

* Deleting Data from Specific Apps:

* On an iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. You'll see a list of apps using iCloud. Tap an app to manage its data. You can turn off iCloud for an app, which will remove its data from iCloud (but might also delete it from your device, depending on your settings).
* On a Mac: Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud. You can manage app data similarly to on iOS devices.

* Managing iCloud Storage:

* Deleting Backups: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Select a device backup and tap "Delete Backup."
* Deleting Photos and Videos: If you use iCloud Photos, deleting photos from one device will delete them everywhere. You can manage your iCloud Photo Library storage in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
* Emptying the Recently Deleted Folder: When you delete files from iCloud, they're moved to a Recently Deleted folder for 30 days. To permanently remove them, go to the respective app (Photos, Files, etc.) and empty the Recently Deleted folder.

* Deleting Your Entire iCloud Account: This is the most extreme option and will erase all your iCloud data. It's not recommended unless you're completely switching away from Apple devices.

Important Considerations

* Syncing: Remember, deleting data from iCloud can also remove it from your other devices if you have iCloud syncing enabled.
* Permanently Deleting Data: Once you empty the Recently Deleted folder or delete your iCloud account, that data is gone for good. There's no getting it back.
* Two-Factor Authentication: If you have two-factor authentication enabled (which I highly recommend), you'll need to enter a verification code from a trusted device before deleting sensitive data or your account.

Deleting data from iCloud can seem daunting, but by understanding the options and being mindful of the implications, you can manage your iCloud storage effectively and keep your data safe and organized.
read more >>

Here's the fix as it appears in iOS 10.3 or later:Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.Tap the Apple ID banner at the top.Tap iCloud.Tap Manage Storage.Tap Backup.Tap a device under Backups.Tap Delete Backup.Tap Turn Off & Delete in the pop-up.read more >>