How to Cancel iCloud Storage: Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrade or Stop Your Plan

If you’ve decided that you no longer need the extra iCloud storage space or wish to switch to a different cloud storage provider, canceling your iCloud storage plan is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to cancel your iCloud storage on various devices, explain what happens after cancellation, and provide tips to manage your data effectively.

What Is iCloud Storage?

iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service that allows you to store photos, videos, documents, app data, and backups. By default, every Apple ID comes with 5GB of free iCloud storage. However, if you require more space, Apple offers paid plans that provide additional storage. These plans are billed monthly and can be managed through your Apple ID settings.​

Why Cancel iCloud Storage?

There are several reasons you might consider canceling your iCloud storage plan:

• Cost Savings: If you’re not utilizing the extra storage, downgrading can save you money.

• Alternative Storage Solutions: You may prefer other cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

• Data Management: You might want to organize and store your data locally or on external drives.​

How to Cancel iCloud Storage on iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings: Tap on the Settings app on your device.

2. Access Apple ID: At the top, tap your name to open Apple ID settings.

3. Navigate to iCloud: Tap on iCloud.

4. Manage Storage: Under the iCloud section, tap on Manage Storage.

5. Downgrade Options: Tap on Downgrade Options.

6. Enter Apple ID Password: If prompted, enter your Apple ID password.

7. Select Free Plan: Choose the Free 5GB plan.

8. Confirm: Tap Done to confirm your selection.

Note: If you have an Apple One subscription, you’ll need to cancel it first before downgrading your iCloud storage. ​

How to Cancel iCloud Storage on Mac

1. Open System Settings: Click on the Apple menu () and select System Settings.

2. Access Apple ID: Click on Apple ID.

3. Navigate to iCloud: In the sidebar, click on iCloud.

4. Manage Storage: Click on Manage under iCloud.

5. Change Storage Plan: Click on Change Storage Plan.

6. Downgrade Options: Click on Downgrade Options.

7. Enter Apple ID Password: Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.

8. Select Free Plan: Choose the Free 5GB plan.

9. Confirm: Click Done to confirm your selection.​

Note: If you have an Apple One subscription, you’ll need to cancel it first before downgrading your iCloud storage. ​

How to Cancel iCloud Storage on Windows PC

1. Open iCloud for Windows: Launch the iCloud for Windows application on your PC.

2. Manage Storage: Click on Manage.

3. Change Storage Plan: Click on Change Storage Plan.

4. Downgrade Options: Click on Downgrade Options.

5. Enter Apple ID Password: Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.

6. Select Free Plan: Choose the Free 5GB plan.

7. Confirm: Click Done to confirm your selection.​

Note: Ensure you have the latest version of iCloud for Windows installed. ​

What Happens After You Cancel iCloud Storage?

After canceling or downgrading your iCloud storage plan:

• Access to Data: You can still access your data stored in iCloud.

• Data Syncing: If your data exceeds the free 5GB limit, iCloud will stop syncing new data until you either free up space or upgrade your storage plan.

• iCloud+ Features: Features like Hide My Email, Private Relay, and HomeKit Secure Video are exclusive to paid iCloud+ plans.

• Data Retention: Apple typically retains your data for 30 days after downgrading. During this period, you can restore your data if needed. ​

Tips for Managing Your Data Before Cancelling

Before canceling your iCloud storage plan, consider the following:

• Backup Important Data: Ensure that all important data is backed up to another cloud service or external storage.

• Delete Unnecessary Files: Remove files and backups that are no longer needed to free up space.

• Review iCloud Settings: Check which apps are using iCloud storage and adjust settings accordingly.

How to Prepare Before Canceling

Before you downgrade your storage plan, take a few minutes to clean things up. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:

Check your storage usage

• Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage.

• Review what’s taking up space (Photos? Backups? Messages?)

Delete old backups

• Remove backups from devices you no longer use.

Clean up iCloud Drive

• Download and delete large files or folders.

Move your photos and videos

• Use an external drive or a different cloud service to back up full-resolution media.

Offload app data

• Some apps store data in iCloud—review which ones and disable those you don’t need.

Doing these things can help you drop below the 5GB limit and avoid losing access to important features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I cancel iCloud for just one device?

No. iCloud storage is linked to your Apple ID, not individual devices. If you cancel it, it affects all your Apple devices signed in with the same ID.

2. Will I lose my photos if I cancel iCloud storage?

Not immediately. But if your total data exceeds the free 5GB, new photos won’t sync, and you might not be able to upload or access everything. It’s best to back up your photos before canceling.

3. What happens to my backups if I downgrade?

Existing iCloud backups stay for a limited time. However, your device may stop backing up automatically if there’s not enough space.

4. Do I get a refund if I cancel early?

No. You’ll stay on the current plan until the billing cycle ends. After that, your plan will automatically switch to the free version.

5. Is there a difference between canceling and downgrading?

In Apple’s system, canceling a paid iCloud plan simply means downgrading to the free 5GB option. There’s no option to “cancel” outright.

6. Can I keep using iCloud without paying?

Yes! The free 5GB is always available. It’s enough for basic syncing like contacts, notes, and a few photos.

7. What features do I lose after canceling iCloud+?

You lose access to iCloud+ features like:

• Private Relay

• Hide My Email

• HomeKit Secure Video These are available only with a paid plan.

8. Can I cancel from the web (iCloud.com)?

Unfortunately, no. You can manage files there, but to cancel storage, you need to use a device with access to your Apple ID settings.

9. Is canceling iCloud storage the same as deleting my iCloud account?

No. Canceling storage only downgrades your plan. Your iCloud account, Apple ID, and device syncing remain active.

10. What should I do if I can’t cancel or downgrade?

Make sure:

• You’re not part of an Apple One subscription.

• Your device is signed in with the correct Apple ID.

• You have a good internet connection.

If all else fails, contact Apple Support for help.

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