Discover “How To Use Temporary Storage on iCloud?” If your iCloud storage is filling up fast and you need to reclaim some space, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to delete photos from iCloud storage step by step. iCloud is a cloud-based storage service provided by Apple, and it’s used to store various types of data, including photos. Over time, your photo library can grow substantially, taking up valuable iCloud space. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can efficiently manage your iCloud storage and free up room for new memories.
Table of Contents
Understanding iCloud Storage
Before we dive into the deletion process, let’s have a quick look at how iCloud storage works. Apple provides 5 GB of free iCloud storage to every user, but this space can be quickly consumed, especially if you have a large collection of photos and videos. Anything beyond the free 5 GB is subject to a monthly subscription fee, so it’s essential to manage your storage effectively.
Method 1: Deleting Photos from Your iPhone or iPad
One of the most straightforward ways to free up space in your iCloud storage is by deleting photos directly from your iOS device. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Photos App: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. This app is where all your photos and videos are stored.
- Select Photos to Delete: Browse through your photo library and select the photos you want to remove. You can do this by tapping on each photo individually.
- Tap the Trash Icon: Once you’ve selected the photos, tap on the trash can icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen. This action will move the selected photos to the “Recently Deleted” album.
- Empty the “Recently Deleted” Album: To complete the deletion process and free up iCloud storage, you need to empty the “Recently Deleted” album. To do this, go to the “Albums” tab in the Photos app, find “Recently Deleted,” and tap on it. Then, tap “Select” and choose “Delete All” to permanently remove the photos.
Method 2: Deleting Photos from iCloud.com
Another method to delete photos from iCloud storage is by using the iCloud website. This method is particularly useful if you want to manage your photos from a computer or if you’ve already deleted them from your iOS device. Here are the steps:
- Visit iCloud.com: Open your web browser and go to iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Access Photos: Once you’re logged in, click on the “Photos” icon. This will take you to your iCloud Photo Library.
- Select Photos: Click on the photos you want to delete. You can select multiple photos by holding down the Command key (on Mac) or the Ctrl key (on Windows) while clicking.
- Delete Photos: With the photos selected, click on the trash can icon (labeled “Delete”) in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear. Confirm that you want to delete the selected photos.
- Empty the “Recently Deleted” Album: Just like in the previous method, the deleted photos will be moved to the “Recently Deleted” album. To free up iCloud storage, click on “Albums” and then “Recently Deleted.” From there, click “Select” and “Delete All.”
Method 3: Use the “Optimize iPhone Storage” Feature
If you don’t want to manually delete photos but still want to save space, you can enable the “Optimize iPhone Storage” feature on your device. This feature allows your device to store only optimized versions of photos locally while keeping the full-resolution versions in iCloud. Here’s how to enable it:
- Go to Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
- Select Photos: Scroll down and tap on “Photos.”
- Enable Optimize iPhone Storage: Under the “iCloud Photos” section, toggle on “Optimize iPhone Storage.” This will ensure that your device stores smaller, space-saving versions of photos.
By enabling this feature, you can keep your entire photo library in iCloud while saving storage space on your device.
Method 4: Turn Off iCloud Photos
If you want to completely stop using iCloud for photos and only store them locally on your device, you can turn off iCloud Photos. However, this will remove all your photos from iCloud, so proceed with caution:
- Open Settings: Launch the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
- Tap Your Name: At the top of the Settings menu, tap on your name, which should be your Apple ID.
- Access iCloud: Tap “iCloud.”
- Manage Storage: Under the “Storage” section, tap “Manage Storage.”
- Select Photos: Find and tap on “Photos.”
- Disable iCloud Photos: Finally, tap “Disable and Delete” to turn off iCloud Photos. This action will remove all your photos from iCloud storage.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Apps
There are third-party apps available that can help you manage your iCloud storage by identifying and deleting large files, including photos and videos. These apps often provide additional features and more in-depth control over your iCloud data. Some popular options include Gemini Photos, Cleaner Pro, and Duplicate Photos Fixer.
To use these apps, follow these general steps:
- Download and Install: Download your chosen app from the App Store and install it on your iOS device.
- Grant Access: Give the app permission to access your photos and iCloud storage.
- Scan for Large Files: Let the app scan your iCloud storage for large files that you can delete to free up space.
- Review and Delete: Review the scan results and choose which files to delete.
- Confirm Deletion: Confirm the deletion, and the app will remove the selected files from iCloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will deleting photos from iCloud storage delete them from my device?
No, deleting photos from iCloud storage will not delete them from your iPhone or iPad. However, if you delete photos from your device, they will also be removed from iCloud if you have iCloud Photos enabled.
Q2: What happens to deleted photos in iCloud?
When you delete photos from iCloud, they are moved to the “Recently Deleted” album. These photos will stay there for 30 days before being permanently deleted. You can manually delete them from this album to free up storage space.
Q3: How can I check my iCloud storage space?
To check your iCloud storage space, go to “Settings” on your iOS device, tap your name, and then tap “iCloud.” From there, select “Manage Storage” to see a breakdown of your storage usage.
Conclusion
Managing your iCloud storage, especially when it comes to photos, is essential to keep your device running smoothly and ensure you have enough space for new memories. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can regain control over your iCloud storage and free up valuable space without losing any precious photos. Whether you choose to delete photos manually, use the “Optimize iPhone Storage” feature, or employ third-party apps, you now have the knowledge to tackle the challenge of managing your iCloud photo library effectively.
