Can't delete old backup from iCloud

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Level 1

4 points

Can't delete old backup from iCloud

Hi,

I've a problem with an old iPhone backup which is taking 27 out of the 50 GB from my iCloud storage. I can't have it deleted, neither from my Mac through Preferences -> Apple ID -> iCloud -> manage storage, neither from an iPad. I can't backup my current iPhone, since there isn't room enough.

Neither do I understand how a backup cant take 27 GB, photos not included, since the iPhone had virtually nothing other than some standard Apps. In comparison, my iPad takes only 2 GB, which seems way more reasonable to me.

When I try to delete that old backup, I always get the message "Can't be done it now, try later" (or something along the lines, I'm not using IOs in English).

I'd be truly grateful to anyone who could give me a hand.

Thanks a lot.

Posted on Mar 23, 2021 1:51 PM

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Answer 1

judysings

Community Specialist

Mar 24, 2021 10:32 AM in response to DeKnyff

Hello DeKnyff,

We understand that you’re unable to delete an iCloud backup, and we’d love to assist you. Please keep in mind that once the backup has been deleted, we won't be able to recover it for any reason. On your iPhone, let’s go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backup > "[Device Name] This Device" and ensure that screen has finished loading before attempting to delete an iCloud backup. If a spinning indicator appears next to the "Choose data to back up" section, it is still loading. Therefore, you would need for the backup to complete before being able to delete it. If that’s the case, we suggest the following:

• Check that you're connect to Wi-Fi

• Update your iPhone

• Try to back up on another Wi-Fi network.

• Remove a device backup from iCloud

Thanks for connecting with Apple Support Communities. Let us know if you need any further assistance.

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Answer 2

Leanne_68

Community Specialist

Mar 24, 2021 3:48 PM in response to DeKnyff

DeKnyff,

Thanks for completing those steps and keeping us updated. At this time, we'd like for you to connect directly with Apple Support. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support

We hope you have a wonderful day. Stay safe and well!

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Answer 3

DeKnyff Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2021 1:40 PM in response to judysings

Hi, thanks for your answer.

I have performed all the steps, to no avail.

When trying to delete the backup from the Mac, I arrive to this screen, where you can see the huge size of the backup (hard to understand for me, since the iPhone has never had more than 5 or 6 GB of data), while the iPad seems to be normal:

But then, when I try to remove the iPhone backup, I only get this message:

If you don't understand Spanish, it just says 'the iPhone backup couldn't be removed because an error happened. Try later'.

And here I am, stuck with more then half of my space blocked.

Just to check the iPad was OK, I deleted its backup and did a new one without any kind of trouble. So, the problem seems to be specific to the iPhone backup.

Thanks for your valuable collaboration.

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Can't delete old backup from iCloud

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