iCloud is a convenient way to store your photos, documents, and other files while keeping them synced across your Apple devices. But you may reach a point where you want to cancel your iCloud storage plan.
Fortunately, canceling iCloud storage is straightforward whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This guide will walk you through the cancellation process step-by-step.
Overview of iCloud Storage
Before jumping into cancellation instructions, let‘s briefly go over what iCloud storage is and how it works.
iCloud storage allows you to store your files on Apple‘s servers (the cloud) rather than solely on your devices. This has several key benefits:
- Access files anywhere – Access your documents, photos, videos, music and more from any internet-connected device
- Automatic syncing – File changes and additions sync across your devices so everything stays up to date
- Backups – iCloud automatically backs up your iOS devices to avoid data loss
- Sharing – Share albums, files, and more with friends and family
iCloud provides 5GB of storage space for free. If you need more space, paid monthly plans are available:
- 50GB for $0.99 per month
- 200GB for $2.99 per month
- 2TB for $9.99 per month
Now let‘s get into how to cancel each plan if you decide iCloud is no longer right for your needs.
How to Cancel iCloud Storage on iPhone/iPad
Cancelling iCloud storage is done right from your iPhone or iPad settings. Follow these steps:
-
Open the Settings app
-
Tap your Apple ID banner at the top of the screen
-
Tap iCloud
-
Tap Manage Storage then Change Storage Plan
-
Tap the Downgrade Options button
-
Select the free 5GB storage plan
-
Tap Done to confirm
And you‘re all set! The next billing cycle, you‘ll automatically be downgraded to the free iCloud storage tier.
If you cancel paid iCloud storage, your data will NOT be deleted as long as it fits within the free 5GB allowance. Any content that exceeds the limit will not upload until you delete enough data to get below the threshold.
How to Cancel iCloud Storage on Mac
You can also cancel paid iCloud storage right from your Mac computer. Just follow these steps:
-
Click the Apple menu then select System Preferences
-
Click Apple ID
-
Select iCloud in the sidebar
-
Click the Manage button
-
Click Change Storage Plan
-
Select the Downgrade options button
-
Click the free 5GB storage plan
-
Enter password to confirm changes
-
Click Done
And your iCloud storage downgrade will be complete! You‘ll receive a confirmation email from Apple acknowledging your plan change.
Alternative Cloud Storage Options
If you choose to cancel iCloud, there are plenty of alternative cloud storage options to consider:
Popular picks like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive often offer more free base storage than iCloud‘s 5GB while still providing helpful functionality for accessing, editing, and sharing files across devices and with others.
This makes them appealing if you find your needs exceed what‘s available for free in iCloud. Paid plans often start cheaper too in services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
When evaluating replacements for iCloud storage, consider aspects like:
- Available free storage
- Price of paid plans
- File syncing and accessibility
- Platform availability (mobile apps, computer apps)
- Sharing and collaboration tools
- Security and privacy
Look for a service that aligns closely with your usage needs and budget.
Back Up Your iCloud Data Before Cancelling
Before going through with an iCloud storage cancellation, take the vital step of backing up your iCloud data. This ensures no accidental data loss when transitioning away.
On an iPhone or iPad, enable iCloud backups by going to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Toggle on "iCloud Backup" and connect to power + WiFi for it to backup your device data.
On your Mac, use Time Machine to create local backups – just connect an external hard drive. You can also manually download files like photos from iCloud.com.
Double check that critical files like documents and irreplaceable photos/videos are backed up elsewhere before cancelling iCloud.
Summary
I hope this guide gave you an easy set of steps for successfully cancelling your iCloud storage subscription. Remember to first backup up your files, then downgrade to the free 5GB plan either on your iPhone/iPad or through your Mac.
With so many competitive cloud storage options like Google Drive and Dropbox, you have alternatives ready if iCloud‘s pricing or amount of free storage no longer meets your needs.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!
){kind=link}