How to Clear iCloud Storage: Delete iCloud Backups

Did you know iCloud backups from previous devices could be taking up a lot of iCloud storage space? This could lead to an iCloud Storage Full message. Here’s how to delete the iCloud backups from old devices and clear iCloud storage space.

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Related: iCloud Guide: Top Tips for Understanding & Using iCloud

How to Delete iCloud Backups

If you have backups from an older iPhone, they could be taking up storage in iCloud that you need for other things. You can delete iCloud backups from older devices without affecting the backups of your newer ones. Another way to clear iCloud storage is to manage your Other storage.

To delete iCloud backups, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
    
2. Tap on your name at the top.
   
   
    
3. Tap on iCloud.
   
   
    
4. Tap on Manage Storage.
   
   
    
5. Now tap on Backups.
   
   
    
6. You’ll see a list of all the devices you have backed up to iCloud.
7. Tap on the name of the device you no longer want to be backed up.
   
   
    
8. Now tap Delete Backup.
   
   
    
9. Tap Turn Off & Delete to complete the process.
   
   

Now your iPhone will return to the Backups menu, and the backups for your old device will be gone. If you have multiple old devices on your iCloud account like I did, feel free to repeat these steps to free up space on your iPhone and iCloud storage account! You don't have to jump to paying for more storage space—there are so many ways to manage your iCloud storage to take advantage of the space you already have.