iOS Assistant
 
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How to Delete Everything from iCloud in 3 Ways [Step-by-Step Guide]

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TL;DR:

Want to delete everything from iCloud but don't know where to start? This guide will walk you through the process with simple steps.

  • Learn what to know before deleting iCloud data to avoid accidental loss of important files.
  • Delete iCloud content through iCloud.com by removing photos, files, contacts, and other stored data.
  • Remove iCloud data from your iPhone/iPad through the Settings app and manage your iCloud storage.
  • Clear iCloud data in bulk and learn how to permanently remove data associated with your Apple Account.
  • Use an iCloud alternative to back up iPhone/iPad and keep your important data safe before deletion.

Running out of iCloud storage or preparing to switch to a new device? You may want to remove unnecessary files, photos, backups, and other personal data stored in iCloud. However, deleting iCloud data requires some care because synced content may also disappear from your Apple devices.

In this guide, we will show you how to delete everything from iCloud using different methods, including iCloud.com, iPhone/iPad settings, and account deletion. We will also introduce a reliable way to back up your important data before clearing iCloud.

how to delete everything from icloud

 

Part 1: Things to Know Before Deleting Everything from iCloud

Before deleting everything from iCloud, there are a few important things you should know. Since iCloud syncs data across all devices using the same Apple ID, deleting content from iCloud may also remove it from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices. To avoid losing important files, keep these points in mind:

  • Deleting synced data affects all connected devices. Photos, contacts, notes, calendars, and other synced content will be removed everywhere if iCloud sync is enabled.
  • Deleted items may be recoverable. Some data, such as photos and files, stays in the "Recently Deleted" folder for up to 30 days before being permanently erased.
  • Back up important data first. If you might need your files later, create a backup before deleting anything from iCloud.

Now that you know what to expect, let's see how to delete everything from iCloud in different ways.

Part 2: How to Delete Everything from iCloud via iCloud.com

If you want to remove data directly from your iCloud account, iCloud.com is one of the easiest options. Although Apple doesn't provide a "Delete All" button, you can delete your synced data by category, including photos, contacts, files, notes, calendars, and more.

Step 1. Open a web browser, go to iCloud.com, and sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Once you're signed in, you'll see different apps that store your iCloud data. Open the category you want to clean up and delete the items you no longer need.

icloud website

Contacts: Open "Contacts", select the contact(s), click the settings icon or the menu, and choose "Delete".

delete contacts from icloud

Photos: Open "Photos", select the photos or videos, then click the trash can icon. (Click here to learn more about how to delete photos from iCloud.)

delete photos from icloud

iCloud Drive: Open "iCloud Drive", select the files or folders you want to remove, and click the trash can icon.

delete files from icloud

Other data: You can delete notes, calendars, reminders, and other synced content in the same way by opening the corresponding app and removing the items you don't need.

Note: Deleted photos and files are usually moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder, where they remain for up to 30 days before being permanently removed. If you want to free up iCloud storage immediately, empty the "Recently Deleted" folder as well. (No Recently Deleted Notes folder?)

Part 3: How to Delete Everything from iCloud on iPhone/iPad

You can also manage your iCloud data directly from the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Although there isn't a one-tap option to erase everything, you can remove synced data and delete iCloud backups to free up storage.

Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.

Step 2. Tap "iCloud", then select "Manage Account Storage" (or "Manage Storage" on some iOS versions).

icloud

Step 3. Choose the data category you want to manage, such as "Photos", "Messages", or "Backups", and follow the on-screen instructions to delete the stored data if the option is available.

manage storage

Step 4. To delete an iCloud backup, tap "Backups", select your device, then tap "Delete Backup". Finally, tap "Turn Off & Delete" to confirm.

how to delete everything in icloud from settings

Part 4: How to Remove iCloud Data in Bulk

Apple does not offer a one-click option to delete all iCloud data at once. If you only want to free up iCloud storage, you can manually remove different types of data using the methods above.

However, if you no longer want to use your Apple Account and want to permanently remove all data associated with it, you can request account deletion. Please note that this action is permanent and cannot be undone.

Step 1. Visit Apple's account deletion page.

Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to review the information and confirm your account deletion request.

Bonus: Best iCloud Alternative to Back Up iPhone/iPad

While iCloud is a convenient way to back up iPhone and iPad data, its free storage is limited, and managing backups can sometimes be inconvenient. If you want more control over your data, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a useful iCloud alternative that lets you back up and manage iOS files directly on your computer.

With it, you can back up your entire iPhone/iPad or export specific files whenever needed. You can also preview, transfer, edit, and delete iOS data without relying on iCloud.

Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • Back up your iPhone/iPad to your computer with one click.
  • Selectively transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, and other files.
  • Preview and manage iOS data directly from your PC or Mac.
  • Add, edit, or delete supported iPhone/iPad data easily.
  • Support a wide range of iPhone and iPad models, including the latest devices like iPhone 17 series, iPad 11/10, and more.

Here is how to use iOS Assistant to back up your iPhone or iPad to your computer:

01Download and install Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your PC or Mac, then connect your iPhone/iPad using a USB cable.

02Tap "Trust" on your device when prompted and follow the instructions to allow the program to recognize your iPhone/iPad.

the main interface of ios assistant

03Once your device is detected, go to the "Super Toolkit" section and select "iTunes Backup & Restore". Click "Backup", choose your device, select a storage location, and click "OK" to start backing up.

how to back up entire ipad/iphone to computer using ios assistant

To back up specific files, open the "My Device" section, select the desired data type from the left panel, preview and choose the files, then click "Export" to save them to your computer.

how to selectively back up ipad/iphone to computer using ios assistant

Video Tutorial:

The Bottom Line

That's everything you need to know about how to delete everything from iCloud. Whether you want to free up iCloud storage or remove personal data before switching devices, you can manage and delete iCloud content through iCloud.com or the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad. For users who want to permanently remove all account-related data, deleting the Apple Account is also an option.

Before deleting anything, it's recommended to back up important files first. With Coolmuster iOS Assistant, you can easily back up your iPhone/iPad data to a computer and manage your files with more flexibility.

Related Articles:

[Solved] How to Delete Photos from iCloud But Not iPhone?

[Full Guide] How to Delete Messages from iCloud But Not iPhone?

[Solved] What to Do When You Can't Delete iCloud Backup?

How to Delete iPhone Backup to Free Up Space? (iTunes & iCloud)

    More Solutions     How to Delete Everything from iCloud in 3 Ways [Step-by-Step Guide]
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Back up and restore everything on iPhone/iPad/iPod with one click.
Freely manage iOS data and iTunes backup files on the computer.
Preview and selectively transfer files between iDevice and computer.
Widely support contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, etc.
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