How to Manage iCloud Storage on Mac? How to Clear up Space?

Managing iCloud Storage on Your MacBook: A Comprehensive Guide

iCloud is a convenient tool for backing up precious memories (like family photos and vacation screenshots), important work documents (especially for freelancers and self-employed individuals), and creative projects (for content creators and photographers). However, its limited free storage can quickly fill up. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to managing your iCloud storage on your MacBook Pro or Air.

Understanding Your iCloud Storage

Before deleting anything, it's crucial to see what's consuming your storage. Here's how:

1. Access the Apple menu (top-left corner) and select "System Preferences."
2. Click "Apple ID," then select "iCloud" from the left-hand menu.
3. Review the detailed storage breakdown.

Deleting Data from iCloud

Since iCloud backs up data across multiple devices, storage can fill rapidly. Upgrading storage can be costly, so deleting unnecessary data is often the best solution. Remember: deleting cloud data removes it from all your devices.

Deleting iCloud Photos

Photos, screenshots, and videos accumulate quickly. Here's how to remove them:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage.
2. Select "Photos" and click "Turn Off & Delete" > "Delete."

You have a 30-day window to recover deleted photos if needed.

Deleting Other iCloud Files

Unnecessary files and outdated documents also contribute to storage issues, especially with automatic backups enabled. To delete files from your iCloud Drive:

1. Access iCloud.com in your web browser and sign in.
2. Go to "Drive," select the files you wish to remove, and click the trash can icon.

(See our separate guide for iCloud sign-in troubleshooting if needed.)

Freeing Up iCloud Backups

iCloud backups consume significant space. Here's how to manage them:

1. Navigate to Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage.
2. Choose "Backups," select the backup to delete, and click the minus (-) icon. You can also delete all backups and disable future backups from this screen.

Consider using your Mac's local storage for backups or exploring third-party cloud storage solutions like Dropbox or OneDrive for larger files.

Why iCloud Storage Fills Up

The standard 5GB of free iCloud storage is quickly consumed, especially for those who use iCloud extensively. Large files (videos, photos, etc.), numerous apps, and frequent backups contribute to storage depletion.

Reclaiming iCloud Space

Managing your iCloud storage doesn't require expensive upgrades. By following the steps above and regularly deleting unnecessary files and backups, you can free up valuable space. Consider using your Mac's hard drive for some backups and utilizing third-party storage for large files. Tools like MacKeeper's Duplicates Finder can further assist in identifying and removing duplicate files on your Mac, optimizing both storage and performance.

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