How to Delete Things from iCloud on Windows/Mac/iOS

Why Need to Delete Things from iCloud?

iCloud provides users with a limited allocation of free cloud storage (specifically 5GB) and a file synchronization service that facilitates seamless access across multiple devices. However, in some cases, iCloud files should be deleted:

Seeking Additional Storage: When faced with an iCloud storage cap, it is necessary to either acquire additional storage or delete data to make room.
Privacy and Security Concerns: For sensitive or private files on iCloud that are no longer needed, or when switching between devices, deleting files ensures the security of your data.
Resolving Synchronization Challenges: iCloud encounters with synchronization barriers (usually due to corrupted or conflicting files) can be corrected by judiciously deleting and subsequently re-uploading the problematic files.

So, how to delete things from iCloud? There are 3 easy and useful methods to help you delete iCloud files on Windows/Mac/iPhone. Scroll down for more information.

# 1. Easiest Way to Delete Things from iCloud - FoneTool (Windows)

When it comes to efficiently managing your iCloud storage or deleting files from iCloud, FoneTool is a great solution. It is not only an excellent iCloud management tool but also a safe iOS backup and transfer tool. With FoneTool, you can make a full or selective backup of your iPhone, transfer files from iPhone to PC, and select the desired files to delete from iCloud.

Benefits of Using FoneTool to Delete Things from iCloud:
Comprehensive iCloud Access: FoneTool allows you to access and manage your iCloud content (such as photos, videos, documents, and more) easily and safely.
One-Click Deletion: With FoneTool, you can seamlessly delete files from iCloud with a single click, simplifying the cumbersome task of selective data removal.
Intuitive Files Preview: FoneTool features an intuitive file preview that allows you to select the files to be deleted, ensuring the accuracy of the process.
Effortless iCloud Management: FoneTool simplifies iCloud management with a user-friendly interface for quick navigation and efficient control.

So, how to delete things from iCloud via FoneTool? Follow the simple steps below to do that:

Step 1: Download FoneTool and install it on your Windows PC > Launch FoneTool to its main interface.

Step 2: Go to My iCloud, sign in with your iCloud credentials, enter the verification code prompted on your iPhone to confirm > Click the Manege iCloud option.

Step 3: Click each icon to preview and select the desired files to delete from iCloud > Click the Delete button to execute the deletion.

★Tip:

 FoneTool is the best way to free up iCloud storage when you have a lot of files on iCloud, causing iCloud to be full.

# 2. Delete Things from iCloud via iCloud Website (Windows/Mac)

To preserve your iCloud storage space and avoid any additional costs associated with expanding your iCloud space, using this method provides a way to delete unnecessary files directly from iCloud without affecting your iPhone. Here is how to delete files from iCloud via its official website:

Step 1: Visit the iCloud website on your Windows or Mac PC and log in with your Apple ID > Select Photos, Notes, or any else on the homepage. (Here take Photos as an example.)

Step 2: Employ the Ctrl + Alt keyboard shortcut to select photos earmarked for deletion from iCloud > Execute the process by clicking the Trash icon situated at the top-right corner.

When photos (or other files that you delete) are deleted from iCloud, you can find these deleted files are stored in the Recently Deleted folder, allowing for recovery within a 30-day window. If you wish to permanently remove files from iCloud, you can navigate to Recently Deleted, tap Select All, and execute the deletion process.

Also Read: [4 Ways] How to Permanently Delete Photos from iCloud >>

# 3. Delete Things from iCloud on iOS/Windows/Mac

In addition to the two solutions above, you can start deleting files from iCloud Drive spans a variety of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Windows computers. Let’s begin the process.

Steps on How to Delete Things from iCloud on iPhone/iPad:

Step 1: Locate the Files app on your iPhone or iPad, easily identifiable by its blue folder icon, often residing on the home screen or in the App Library.

Step 2: Within the Files app, tap Browse at the bottom of the screen (if not already selected). Under Locations, choose iCloud Drive to access your iCloud files.

Step 3: Navigate through your iCloud Drive folders to pick the specific file for removal. Explore folders by tapping on them until you reach the file you intend to delete.

Step 4: Upon finding the file, either tap and hold until a menu surfaces > Tap the Delete icon and then choose Delete once to confirm.

Steps on How to Delete Things from iCloud Storage on Mac:

Step 1: Initiate the process by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock, distinguished by a blue and white smiling face.

Step 2: Check the Finder sidebar, where you’ll find iCloud Drive listed under Favorites or Locations > Unfold your iCloud Drive folders to pinpoint the file slated for deletion.

Step 3: With the file selected, either utilize the Delete key on your keyboard or right-click on the file, choosing Move to Trash from the contextual menu.

Step 4: Deleted files find their way to the Trash on your Mac, awaiting disposal, ensuring they remain there until the Trash is emptied.

Steps on How to Delete Things from iCloud on Windows:

Step 1: Launch the iCloud Drive folder within Windows File Explorer > Go to your iCloud Drive folders to locate the specific file for deletion.

Step 2: Select the file by clicking it, then press the Delete key on your keyboard, or right-click the file and choose Delete from the contextual menu.

Step 3: A confirmation prompt will materialize, seeking affirmation to move the file to the Recycle Bin > Click Yes to validate the deletion.

Step 4: Complete the process by emptying the Recycle Bin, ensuring the permanent removal of the iCloud Drive files.

Also Read: [3 Ways] How to Delete Photos from iCloud but not iPhone >>

The Bottom Line

That's all about how to delete things from iCloud, you can choose to complete the deletion through the iCloud website or with a third-party tool like FoneTool. It is not only a good iCloud management tool (that allows you to download, upload, and delete files) but also a professional iOS data backup and transfer tool that can help you make an iPhone backup, encrypt backup for iPhone, and transfer all data from iPhone to iPhone with one click. Try it out!