Question

What should I delete to free up iCloud storage?

Short answer

Start with the item that is biggest and least missed: backups of devices you no longer own. Next, merge duplicates in the Photos Duplicates album, remove long videos, and clear screenshots and burst extras. Then check iCloud Drive and Messages attachments. Finish by emptying Recently Deleted, or the space stays used.

Last updated 31 October 2026

Which items free the most space for the least risk?

Delete	Where	Risk
Backups of old phones and iPads	Settings > your name > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups	Low if the device is gone
Duplicate photos	Photos > Albums > Utilities > Duplicates (iOS 16+)	Low; Merge keeps the best copy
Long videos	Photos > Media Types > Videos	Medium; watch before deleting
Screenshots, bursts	Utilities and Media Types albums	Low
Large attachments	Messages and iCloud Drive	Check before deleting

Why is my iCloud storage full of backups?

Each iPhone and iPad signed in to your account keeps its own backup. Replace a phone twice and you may be paying to store three. Apple keeps a backup for 180 days after you turn off backup on a device, so old ones linger well after you stop using the hardware.

You can also shrink the current backup. In the same Backups screen, open this device and switch off apps you don't need backed up. Photos are not included when iCloud Photos is on, because they are stored separately.

Each backup shows its size and the date it was last updated. A backup from a phone you traded in two years ago is the safest delete on the list. Be more careful with an iPad that only syncs now and then, since its last backup may be the only copy of its settings and app data.

What about Messages and iCloud Drive?

With Messages in iCloud on, every video and photo sent in a chat lives in your quota. On iPhone, Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages lists large attachments and lets you remove them in bulk. In iCloud Drive, sort by size in the Files app and look for old downloads, installers and video exports.

How do I finish without losing anything?

Deleted items wait in Recently Deleted for 30 days and still count. Empty it once you are sure.
If you are already over your limit, Apple removes deleted photos straight away instead, so double-check first.
Keep a computer copy of anything you are unsure about.

For the plan change itself, see the stop-paying guide. If deleting did not lower the number, read why iCloud is still full after deleting photos.

Frequently asked questions

Can I free up iCloud without deleting photos?

Often, yes. Old backups, Drive files and attachments can free several gigabytes. You can also move photos to a computer, then delete them from iCloud.

Is it safe to delete my current iPhone backup?

It is safe for the phone, but you lose the restore point. Make a fresh backup to a computer first if you rely on it. Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows can make a full local backup for free.

Sources

Apple Support: If your iCloud storage is full (checked 31 October 2026)