Step-By-Step: How to Delete Documents on iCloud on Devices

Want to delete documents on iCloud?

iCloud, Apple's cloud storage service, provides you with a convenient way to store and access documents across your Apple devices. However, there are times when you may need to free up iCloud storage and declutter your iCloud by deleting unwanted documents.

💡 Free Storage Limit: iCloud offers limited free space. Deleting unnecessary documents helps you stay within this limit without upgrading to a paid plan.
💡 Organization: Regularly deleting unused files keeps your iCloud organized, enhancing file management.
💡 Privacy and Security: Deleting sensitive or outdated documents ensures the privacy and security of your data, particularly when sharing iCloud storage.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to delete documents on iCloud. Whether you're using an iPhone, a Mac, or a PC, we've got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions.

Preparation before deleting documents from iCloud

Before going through the instructions to delete docs from iCloud, firstly, you need to disable iCloud Drive to stop syncing files to iCloud Drive. Here is how you can turn it off on all devices.

On your iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Toggle off Sync this iPhone.

On your Mac: Click Apple logo in the top-left corner > System Preferences > Choose Apple ID > iCloud > Uncheck the box next to iCloud Drive.

Note: If prompted, select whether you want to keep a local copy of your iCloud Drive files or remove them from your Mac.

How to delete documents from iCloud on iPhone?

Deleting documents from iCloud on your iPhone is a straightforward process by visiting the Files app, which allows you to manage and access your iCloud Drive files. Here’s how to delete documents on iCloud from iPhone Files app.

Step 1. Locate the Files app on your iPhone > Tap Browse at the bottom of the screen > Under Locations, choose iCloud Drive to access your iCloud files.

Step 2. Look through your iCloud Drive folders to locate the documents you’d like to delete > Tap the three-dot icon > Choose Select.

Step 3. Check the files you’d like to delete from iCloud Drive > Tap the trash can to delete documents on iCloud.

❤️‍ Warm tip
When you delete files from iCloud Drive, they are transferred to the "Recently Deleted" folder and stay there for 30 days before being permanently erased.

To permanently delete files, go to the "Recently Deleted" folder, tap "Select" at the top right, choose the files you want to remove permanently, and then tap "Delete" at the bottom right.

How to delete documents on iCloud from Mac

Due to the iCloud’s nature, you can also directly access these app documents and data from your Mac and delete them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to delete documents on iCloud Drive from Mac.

Step 1. In the Dock, click on the Finder icon > Under Favorite or Locations, click iCloud Drive to open it.

Step 2. Look through the folders to locate the documents you’d like to delete in your iCloud Drive > Choose unwanted files and right-click them > Choose Move to Trash.

To permanently delete the files, click on the Trash icon in the Dock, and then click "Empty" in the upper-right corner of the Trash window.

Faster way to delete iCloud Drive documents and data on PC

Deleting iCloud Drive documents and data on a PC requires a slightly different and easier approach. We’d like to recommend FoneTool, a powerful tool to assist you in managing files on iOS devices and iCloud accounts, enabling you to have better control of your iCloud files.

Instead of spending time looking for documents and files on your iCloud accounts, FoneTool lists all your iCloud files in one window, enabling you to easily access iCloud Drive on PC.

Now, free download this tool to your Windows PC, and follow the simple steps below to know how to delete documents and data from iCloud.

Step 1. Install and launch FoneTool on your computer > Choose My iCloud > Sign in with your iCloud account > Enter the verification code to confirm.

Step 2. Choose Manage iCloud > Click iCloud Drive > Preview and choose the files you'd like to delete > Click the Delete button to confirm.

As you can see from the sample picture above, you can also rely on FoneTool to download and upload photos, contacts, notes, and videos on your iCloud account at the same time in a straightforward way.

Summary

That’s all for how to delete documents on iCloud. Whether you're using an iPhone, a Mac, or a PC, the step-by-step guides provided in this article offer clear instructions on how to delete documents on iCloud.

As technology evolves, staying informed on how to navigate and optimize cloud storage services like iCloud becomes increasingly important. With this guide, hope you can confidently manage your iCloud documents and tailor your storage to suit your individual needs.