How to Cancel iCloud Storage

That monthly $0.99, or $9.99 charge for iCloud storage keeps hitting your credit card.

“But I barely use iCloud. What am I paying for this?”

Well, you’re not alone. Apple gives everyone 5GB of free storage, but once you hit that limit usually from a single iPhone backup, you get those annoying “iCloud Storage Full” notifications that basically force you to upgrade.

Whether you want to cancel completely, downgrade to a smaller plan, this guide covers everything.

Understanding iCloud Storage Plans

Before you cancel, let’s clarify what you’re actually paying for. iCloud storage is different from iPhone’s device storage. Your iPhone might have 128GB or 256GB of physical space, but iCloud is Apple’s cloud backup service.

Here’s what iCloud stores:

1. iPhone and iPad backups
2. Photos and videos (if iCloud photos is enabled)
3. Files in iCloud drive
4. Mails, contacts, calendars, and notes
5. Messages (if iCloud messages is on)
6. App data from apps that use iCloud

Current iCloud Pricing (2025)

If you're paying for storage but barely using it, canceling could save you $12 to $720 per year.

What You Need Before You Cancel

Before you start clicking around trying to cancel, check these three things:

Got all that? Good. Now let's actually cancel this thing.

How to Cancel iCloud Storage on iPhone/iPad

This is the most common way to cancel since most people have their iPhone handy. The process is the same for iPad.

Step-by-Step Instructions (iOS 17 and Later)

1. Open the settings app (the gray gear icon)
2. Tap your name at the very top of the screen
3. Tap “iCloud”
4. Tap “Manage Account Storage” or “Manage Storage” (wording varies by iOS version)
5. Tap “Change Storage Plan”
6. Tap “Downgrade Options” at the bottom
7. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
8. Select “5GB Free” to cancel completely, or choose a smaller paid plan to downgrade
9. Tap “Done” to confirm

No "Downgrade Options" button? Jump to the Troubleshooting section below—this is the most common problem people face.

Alternative Method: Through Subscriptions

Some iOS versions let you cancel through the Subscriptions menu instead:

1. Open Settings > [Your Name]
2. Tap “Subscriptions”
3. Find “iCloud+” under active subscriptions
4. Tap it, then tap “Cancel subscription” or “See All Plans”
5. Select the free 5GB plan

If you don’t see iCloud+ under subscriptions, it means you need to use the first method through iCloud settings. Similar to how you'd manage other subscriptions like CapCut Pro or Fabletics memberships, the cancellation location varies by service.

How to Cancel iCloud Storage on Mac

The mac process is similar but through System Settings instead of the iOS Settings app.

For macOS Ventura (13) or Later

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner
2. Click “System Settings”
3. Click your name/Apple ID at the top of the sidebar
4. Click “iCloud” in the sidebar
5. Click “Manage” next to your storage bar
6. Click “Change Storage Plan” in the top-right corner
7. Click “Downgrade Options”
8. Enter your Apple ID password
9. Select the Free 5GB plan
10. Click “Done”

For macOS Monterey (12) or Earlier

Older macOS versions use System Preferences instead of System Settings:

1. Click Apple menu > System Preferences
2. Click "Apple ID" (or your name/profile picture)
3. Click "iCloud" in the sidebar
4. Click "Manage" in the bottom-right corner
5. Follow the remaining steps from the Ventura instructions above

Pro tip: If you're on a really old Mac and can't find these menus, it's often easier to cancel from your iPhone instead.

How to Cancel iCloud Storage on Windows

If you use iCloud for Windows (for syncing photos or files to a PC), you can cancel through the windows app.

Requirements: You must have the iCloud for Windows app installed. If you don’t have an Apple device but pay for iCloud, this is your only option besides contacting Apple support.

Cancellation Steps

1. Open the iCloud for Windows app
2. Click "Storage" in the app window
3. Click "Change Storage Plan"
4. Click "Downgrade Options"
5. Enter your Apple ID password
6. Select the Free 5GB plan
7. Click "Done"

Common issue: If you can't find the Storage button in iCloud for Windows, your version might be outdated. Update to the latest version from the Microsoft Store or Apple's website, then try again.

How to Cancel Without Access to Your Device

Lost your iPhone? Sold your Mac? Don’t have access to a Windows PC with iCloud installed? You can still cancel, but Apple doesn’t make it easy.

Method 1: Request a Refund (Which Cancels the Subscription)

Apple’s refund process also lets you cancel your subscription. This is officially documented by Apple for people without device access:

1. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com in any web browser
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Tap or click “I’d like to” and choose “Request a refund”
4. Find your iCloud+ subscription charge (usually the most recent one at the top)
5. Click "Submit"

Method 2: Contact Apple Support

If the refund method doesn't work, your only option is Apple Support:

1. Phone: 1-800-275-2273 (1-800-APL-CARE)
2. Chat: getsupport.apple.com > Billing & Subscriptions > Subscriptions & Purchases

Have your Apple ID ready. They'll verify your identity and cancel the subscription for you.

Expect a wait time. Apple Support calls can take 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day. Early morning (8-10am EST) usually has shorter wait times.

What Happens to Your Data After Canceling

Let's be clear about what actually happens when you cancel iCloud storage, because Apple doesn't explain this well.

Immediate Effects (Day 1)

1. Nothing changes yet: Your paid storage continues until your billing period ends
2. Full access: Everything works normally
3. Charges stop: You won't be billed again after your current period ends

This is your window to download or delete data.

After Downgrade Takes Effect (End of Billing Period)

Once your paid plan expires and you drop to 5GB:

if you're under 5GB:

Everything continues working normally. No problems.

If you're over 5GB:

• New photos/videos won't upload to iCloud Photos

• Device backups stop working

• New files can't be added to iCloud Drive

• iCloud Mail stops sending/receiving (if you use @icloud.com email)

• Messages won't sync to new devices

Your existing data is still there and accessible—it just stops syncing.

30 Days After Exceeding 5GB

Apple gives you about 30 days to either:

1. Delete enough data to get under 5GB
2. Upgrade to a paid plan again

If you do neither, Apple starts sending warnings that your data may be deleted.

180 Days of Inactivity

If you don't log in to your Apple ID for about 180 days (roughly 6 months) while over the 5GB limit, Apple can delete your iCloud data.

What gets deleted: Photos, videos, documents, backups—basically everything over the 5GB threshold.

What doesn't get deleted: Purchases (apps, music, movies), Apple Wallet passes, Notes app content (if you have other devices), and purchased iBooks.

Bottom line: Download anything important before you cancel. Don't rely on the 30-180 day grace periods

Downgrade vs Cancel iCloud Storage

Not sure whether to cancel completely or just downgrade? Here's a simple comparison:

1. Barely use iCloud
2. Have only one Apple device
3. Use Google Photos or Dropbox
4. Back up to your computer
5. Want to save money

1. Still need automatic backups
2. Have multiple Apple devices
3. Cleaned up and use less space now
4. Share with family (200GB+)
5. Just want a lower bill

Quick check: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud to see how much space you're actually using. If you're only using 30GB, why pay for 200GB?

Fix Common Cancellation Problems

Running into issues? Here are the four most common problems and fast fixes:

Problem 1: No "Downgrade Options" Button

Still not working? Try a different device (Mac instead of iPhone) or call Apple Support: 1-800-275-2273

Problem 2: "Not Enough Storage" Warning

What it means: You're using more than 5GB. Your data won't sync after downgrade.

What happens: Data stays for ~30 days, then Apple can delete it if you're still over 5GB.

Fix: Delete old backups, photos, or files until you're under 5GB. See "Free Up Space Before Canceling" section below.

Problem 3: Still Getting Charged

Check cancellation: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. Should say "Expires on [date]" not "Renews on [date]"

Timing: Paid storage continues until end of billing period. You'll see one more charge if you cancel right before renewal.

Charged after expiration? Contact Apple Support immediately with screenshots. They usually refund within 48 hours.

Problem 4: Password Rejected

• Use Apple ID password (not device passcode)

• Check Caps Lock is off

• Reset at iforgot.apple.com if forgotten

• Wait 10 minutes if locked out from wrong attempts

That covers 95% of cancellation problems. If you're still stuck, Apple Support can usually fix account-level issues in 10-15 minutes.

Alternatives to iCloud Storage

If you're canceling iCloud to save money or because you found something better, here are solid alternatives:

FAQs

Can I cancel iCloud storage without losing my photos?

Yes, but you need to download them first. Turn off iCloud Photos and select "Download Photos & Videos" to save everything to your device. Or transfer them to Google Photos, Dropbox, or an external drive before canceling.

What happens if I don't cancel but just stop paying?

Bad idea. If your payment method fails, Apple will keep trying to charge you and lock your account until you pay or cancel properly. Your iCloud will stop syncing, you won't be able to download apps, and you can't make new purchases.

Does canceling iCloud storage delete my Apple ID?

No. Your Apple ID stays active. You just lose the extra paid storage and drop back to the free 5GB plan. You can still use the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, and all other Apple services normally. Only the iCloud storage capacity changes.

Stop Wasting Money on Forgotten Subscriptions

While you’re cancelling iCloud storage, there’s a good chance you have other subscriptions quietly draining your bank account every month.

The average person has 3-5 forgotten subscriptions. That gym membership you haven’t used in six months. The streaming service free trial that renewed automatically. The app subscription you signed up for once and forgot about.

Just like iCloud storage can feel difficult to cancel (remember that missing “Downgrade Options” button?), many services make cancellation unnecessarily complicated. Whether its BeenVerified, OnlyFans, or DSTV, companies know that complicated cancellation processes mean more people stay subscribed by default.

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The average member saves over $100 in their first session. The more accounts you connect, the more savings Chargeback uncovers.