How to delete apps and data from iCloud to save space

If you are in the process of cleaning up your Apple device to make space on iCloud, it makes sense to also look at your apps. Each app, along with its data files and backups, will sit in your iCloud account, taking up space. Here’s how to do a spring clean.

How to delete apps from iCloud on an iPhone or iPad

To remove apps from iCloud on an iOS device, you first need to remove them from your device.

1. Press and hold on to the app you want to delete for about a second or two. Let go when you feel a vibration.
2. Select Remove App, then Delete App.
3. Launch the Settings app.
4. Tap on your Apple Account, which is labeled as your name.
5. Go into iCloud.
6. Select Storage. Here, you’ll see apps that have synced their settings to iCloud.
7. Tap on the app you deleted.
8. At the bottom, select Delete Data From iCloud.
9. Confirm by hitting Delete.
10. You may be asked to confirm again. Hit Permanently Delete.

Now, back up your phone to iCloud by going to Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. The new backup will overwrite the previous backup with the old app and its files.

How to delete apps from iCloud on a Mac

To delete iCloud apps, data, and backups on a Mac, first delete the app(s). You can usually do this by dragging the app icon in the Applications folder to the Trash can. Then, follow the steps below to delete the data from iCloud.

1. Click on the Apple menu.
2. Go into System Preferences.
3. Select your Apple Account.
4. Pick iCloud.
5. Next to Storage, click on Manage.
6. Select the app you want to delete stored data for.
7. Click on Delete from iCloud. This may show different options, depending on the app. Sometimes, you’ll get the option to Show in Finder. If that is the case, just go into the folder and delete the files manually.