How to cancel iCloud storage and keep your data – Setapp

iCloud Storage Management: A Comprehensive Guide

Even with a single Apple device, iCloud's daily benefits are undeniable. It's the core of Apple's ecosystem, seamlessly syncing third-party apps across devices, offering affordable storage, device tracking, and access to Apple's apps (Mail, Reminders, Numbers, Photos). The beauty of iCloud is its seamless background operation; you only notice it when storage limits are reached. Let's explore managing your iCloud storage.

Checking iCloud Storage Usage

Your Apple ID automatically includes an iCloud account with 5GB of free storage. While convenient, this is limited. To optimize your free storage, careful app data management is key.

Here's how to check your iCloud usage:

1. Open System Preferences → Apple ID.
2. Click "Manage…" in the bottom-right corner near the storage bar.
3. Review your available space and the apps using your iCloud storage.

Freeing Up iCloud Storage

If you've reached your storage limit, you have two options: upgrade your iCloud storage plan or reduce your usage.

Upgrading your iCloud plan is simple and offers various options: 50GB ($0.99), 200GB ($2.99), and 2TB ($9.99). Pricing may vary by region.

To upgrade:

1. Open System Preferences → Apple ID.
2. Click "Manage…".
3. Select "Buy More Storage…".
4. Choose your plan → Next.

To reduce storage usage (while staying on the 5GB plan):

1. Go to System Preferences → Apple ID → Manage….
2. Select unnecessary apps and choose "Delete all…" or manage data within the app (e.g., deleting emails from Junk/Trash).

Extracting iCloud Data

For substantial data, deleting small amounts might be inefficient. If you're unwilling to upgrade, consider extracting data to your Mac or external drive. iCloud Drive and Photos usually consume the most space.

To move iCloud Drive files:

1. Open iCloud Drive in Finder (Shift ⌘ I).
2. Select files (⌘-click).
3. Drag files to a local folder.

To move Photos:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select photos/folders.
3. Drag to a local folder.

After exporting, delete the originals from iCloud. For other apps (Contacts, Reminders), use File → Export.

Canceling/Downgrading iCloud Storage Plans

You can downgrade or cancel your iCloud plan at any time (reverting to the free 5GB).

To downgrade on Mac:

1. Open System Preferences → Apple ID → Manage….
2. Click "Change Storage Plan" → "Downgrade Options".
3. Choose a plan (including the free option).
4. Click "Done".

Data Backup Best Practices

Downgrading may result in data removal after 30 days. Back up your data beforehand. Get Backup Pro offers secure backups, cloning, and synchronization across Macs.

Managing Devices Without iCloud

For managing devices without relying heavily on iCloud, AnyTrans for iOS provides comprehensive iPhone storage and synchronization, including backups, iTunes/iCloud transfers, and iPhone screen mirroring.

Conclusion

Downgrading your iCloud plan is feasible, particularly when combined with data extraction and alternative backup solutions like Get Backup Pro and AnyTrans for iOS. A seven-day Setapp trial provides access to these apps and many more.

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