How to Delete Photos from iCloud to Free Up Space

Running low on iCloud storage? This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on How To Delete Photos From Icloud, freeing up valuable space for backups, files, and more. We’ll cover various methods for deleting photos and other data from your iCloud account across your Apple devices.

iPhone screen showing the Recommended For You suggestions within iCloud settings.

Using “Recommended for You” on iOS 17 and Later

For iPhone and iPad users with iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 and later, Apple offers a streamlined way to manage iCloud storage.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name, then tap iCloud.
3. Tap Recommended for You. iCloud will suggest actions to free up space, such as deleting old backups or large files.
4. Tap an option and follow the onscreen instructions.

Manually Deleting Photos from iCloud Photos

If you don’t see relevant suggestions in “Recommended for You” or use an older iOS version, you can manually delete photos. Remember: Deleting photos from iCloud Photos removes them from all your synced devices. Ensure you have backups of important photos before proceeding.

On iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Tap All Photos.
3. Tap Select, then choose the photos you want to delete.
4. Tap the trash can icon, then confirm by tapping Delete Photo or Delete Video.

On Mac:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select the photos you want to delete.
3. Press the Delete key, then click Delete to confirm.

On iCloud.com:

1. Sign in to iCloud.com on any device.
2. Open the Photos app.
3. Select the photos you want to delete. You can select multiple photos by holding Command (Mac) or Control (PC) while clicking.
4. Click the trash can icon, then confirm by clicking Delete.

Permanently Deleting Photos from “Recently Deleted”

Deleted photos are moved to the “Recently Deleted” album for 30 days before being permanently erased. You can remove them sooner to free up space immediately.

1. In the Photos app, go to Albums, then Recently Deleted.
2. Tap Select, choose the photos, and tap Delete.
3. Confirm by tapping Delete [Number] Photos.

Other Ways to Free Up iCloud Space

Deleting photos isn’t the only way to reclaim iCloud storage. Consider these additional options:

• Reduce iCloud Backup Size: Manage which apps are backed up to iCloud and delete old backups.
• Delete Files in iCloud Drive: Remove unnecessary documents and files from iCloud Drive.
• Delete Messages and Attachments: Delete old messages, especially those with large attachments, in the Messages app.
• Manage Mail Storage: Delete unwanted emails and empty the trash in your iCloud Mail account.
• Delete Voice Memos: Remove voice recordings you no longer need.

Conclusion

Managing your iCloud storage is crucial for ensuring you have enough space for backups, photos, and other important data. By strategically deleting photos and utilizing other storage management techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively free up space and keep your iCloud account organized. Remember to always back up important data before deleting it.