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Can't delete from iCloud

Hi, my iCloud storage is displaying that it is full. I have tried deleting everything possible from icloud storage. I have togged off every possible thing that can be toggled off. I have followed various proposed ways to fix it from various forums. Nothing works. It claims I have nearly 47GB of documents - I don't even have that amount on any of my devices!

How can I clear the storage?

MacBook

Posted on Aug 30, 2019 1:33 AM

Reply
8 replies

Aug 31, 2019 1:14 AM in response to kfletcher

You must set up iCloud Drive ( turned as on ) , and desktops and documents box should be checked in Mac see these articles https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT204025

https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mchle5a61431/10.14/mac/10.14

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206985

Let the syncing be completed , you can view the iCloud data at https://support.apple.com/kb/PH20785?locale=en_US

And reduce the data https://support.apple.com/kb/PH12790?locale=en_US

https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/system-information/syspf5a64aa6/mac

Use optimise feature https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/system-information/sysp4ee93ca4/mac

If you are short of storage , as per requirements sometimes its better to purchase storage plan from apple https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT201318

The larger document can be deleted directly from clicking on finder > under iCloud Drive > documents ( right click on them and click on get info it will show its size ) , the document can be deleted , just right click on it and move to the trash folder , restart the Mac and empty the trash ( make sure the documents are not important for you ) .

Don't uncheck any box for applications in any device also iCloud drive , safari ....


Read these articles also https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT201656

https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT206504

Sep 1, 2019 2:22 AM in response to kfletcher

Thanks to the kind people above who suggested things. I finally contacted Apple chat help line, the lovely person at the other end of the phone was as perplexed as I was as to how this situation occurred, but she was able to completely reset the iCloud storage from her end and the problem is solved.

Sometimes ya just have to go to the top!

:)

Aug 30, 2019 5:28 PM in response to kfletcher

Hello kfletcher,



Thanks for that info and for choosing the Apple Support Communities. If I understand correctly, you are unable to free up iCloud storage space. To help with this, please follow the relevant steps in these Apple resources, and then contact Apple if you need any further assistance.



Manage your iCloud storage

Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud

Contact Apple Support 



Cheers!

Aug 31, 2019 9:20 AM in response to léonie

As per this article https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT204247

Delete messages and manage Mail

You can free up iCloud space when you delete email messages from your iCloud email account. You can also move email messages from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac or PC, where they no longer count against your iCloud storage.

Use the steps below to delete messages from your account. Remember that messages with large attachments take up more space than simple text emails.

Also iMessages now the term is " messages " won't store 46.3 GB that is huge storage , never seen the huge data particularly with messages and they are accumulating ( it seems impractical ) .https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/system-information/syspf5a64aa6/mac

Sep 1, 2019 1:01 AM in response to tygb

I have read everything in the above links. I have followed all possible advice. I have deleted everything it is possible to delete from my MacBook, iPad and iPhone. I have removed all photos, all documents, all emails, all email attachments. I have turned everything off and on again. As you can see, the iCloud still claims to be storing 50GB, of which 46.63GB is Documents. After following all the steps, something always comes up inviting me to purchase more storage ... I should not need to.


Sep 1, 2019 1:02 AM in response to léonie

I have read everything in the above links. I have followed all possible advice. I have deleted everything it is possible to delete from my MacBook, iPad and iPhone. I have removed all photos, all documents, all emails, all email attachments. I have turned everything off and on again. As you can see, the iCloud still claims to be storing 50GB, of which 46.63GB is Documents. After following all the steps, something always comes up inviting me to purchase more storage ... I should not need to.

Aug 31, 2019 12:38 AM in response to sterling r

Hi, thank you. I have followed all the steps outlined. Several times. I have completely deleted the Documents folder and several others from the iCloud, so they can't possibly be using up any memory. Yet the little bar graph says I have 46.63GB in Documents ... a folder which no longer even exists! I have cleaned up the memory in the iPhone and iPad which are connected to this account, as well as deleting (after backing up) every single document from my MacBook.

No matter what I do, it does not clear up any space in iCloud.

I need further assistance. I live several thousand kilometres from the nearest Apple store, so I cannot go in person.

Help!!

Aug 31, 2019 2:57 AM in response to kfletcher

Hi, thank you. I have followed all the steps outlined. Several times. I have completely deleted the Documents folder and several others from the iCloud, so they can't possibly be using up any memory. Yet the little bar graph says I have 46.63GB in Documents ... a folder which no longer even exists!

The storage shown as used for "Documents" applies to any kind of document, not necessarily the documents in the documents folder. It could also be the mail attachments or message attachment. Did you delete all messages and mails that may contain attachments?


Can't delete from iCloud

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