canadian2012
Level 1 (8 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Is there any way to delete data for apps I no longer use?

Hi all,

 

I’ve noticed that some of the data iCloud stores related to apps you’ve used in the past, cannot be removed through the UI. Is it possible to remove this data?

 

If I go to System Preferences > iCloud > Manage, I can see how much storage is being taken up by some apps, but many don’t show up in that list.

 

This sort of makes sense because I’ve definitely noticed that some in-app preferences (usually for iOS apps) remain when setting up an iOS device as new.

 

I’ve found several folders on my Mac related to iCloud data for apps (including iOS ones) that I no longer use and haven’t installed in years. For example, these folders are found in ~/Library/Application Support/CloudDocs/Session. The folders appear to be empty, but I am guessing their contents are either hidden or not all the data is being pushed to my Mac.

 

Could someone shed some light on how this iCloud data is managed and how I can manage it?

 

Any assistance is appreciated.

Posted on Aug 2, 2016 4:18 PM

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canadian2012

Q: Is there any way to delete data for apps I no longer use?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Aug 3, 2016 12:33 PM in response to canadian2012
    Level 9 (70,207 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 3, 2016 12:33 PM in response to canadian2012

    Have you tried opening the applications and deleting all data associated with the application?

  • by Eric~F,

    Eric~F Eric~F Aug 3, 2016 12:41 PM in response to canadian2012
    Community Specialists
    Aug 3, 2016 12:41 PM in response to canadian2012

    Hello canadian2012,

     

    Thanks for asking your question here in the Apple Support Communities. I'm happy to help you sort out your iCloud storage.

     

    The first thing we want to ensure is that all your data is safe. Use this article for help with making a backup for iOS devices: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This article is to backup the data on your Mac: Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac.

     

    Once your data is safe, you will want to use this article for help with iCloud storage: Manage your iCloud storage. There are different sections for different types of data stored in iCloud.

     

    Thanks again and have a great rest of your day!

  • by canadian2012,

    canadian2012 canadian2012 Aug 15, 2016 2:47 PM in response to Eric~F
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 15, 2016 2:47 PM in response to Eric~F

    Hello Eric,

     

    Thanks so much for your reply.

     

    I've am familiar with deleting application data from Settings>iCloud>Storage>Manage Storage (iOS) or System Preferences>iCloud>Storage>Manage (OS X).

     

    But I've always found that there's some data that doesn't show up in those preferences and so can't be deleted from there. I don't think it's that much data, just simple preferences and such for apps.

     

    I know iCloud consists of multiple "parts" i.e. documents, key/value pairs, and core storage; so am wondering if some of that data is not accessible to the user?

     

    Again, I noticed tons of empty folders in my Mac's caches for iOS apps I haven't used in years or only downloaded briefly to try. Would love to know if there's a way to erase this data.

     

    Thanks so much!

     

    Eric~F wrote:

     

    Hello canadian2012,

     

    Thanks for asking your question here in the Apple Support Communities. I'm happy to help you sort out your iCloud storage.

     

    The first thing we want to ensure is that all your data is safe. Use this article for help with making a backup for iOS devices: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This article is to backup the data on your Mac: Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac.

     

    Once your data is safe, you will want to use this article for help with iCloud storage: Manage your iCloud storage. There are different sections for different types of data stored in iCloud.

     

    Thanks again and have a great rest of your day!

  • by canadian2012,

    canadian2012 canadian2012 Aug 15, 2016 2:49 PM in response to Eric Root
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 15, 2016 2:49 PM in response to Eric Root

    I am not sure that would be practical as we're talking about dozens of apps here. Just curious where this data is stored and if I can access or erase it.

     

    Eric Root wrote:

     

    Have you tried opening the applications and deleting all data associated with the application?