How do I delete a file from my iPhone, but not from iCloud?

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How do I delete a file from my iPhone, but not from iCloud?

I have this pdf file that I've saved in the "iCloud Drive" section of the files app. I want this file to be saved only on iCloud so that it doesn't take up any space on my iPhone. This file does not have the "cloud with down arrow" icon that other files in my iCloud drive folder have. Also, the file opens up even when my phone isn't connected to the internet, so it is still on my phone locally.

Is there any way to manually delete the file from my local storage?

Posted on Sep 30, 2022 3:35 AM

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Answer 1

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AdamK146 Author

Level 1

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Sep 30, 2022 6:25 AM in response to muguy

Ok, that works for media from the photos app. But what about other files like pdf files, keynote presentations, or numbers spreadsheets?

Actually, I think I’ve found my answer in Settings>General>iPhone Storage>iCloud Drive:

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Answer 2

muguy

Level 9

76,129 points

Sep 30, 2022 6:13 AM in response to AdamK146

iCloud is primarily a synchronization service, not offline storage. You can elect to optimize photo storage in iCloud Photos (Settings > Photos), which will then store original resolution files in iCloud and lower-resolution files on your device if space is needed. That may significantly reduce the size of the photo library on device.

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Answer 3

AdamK146 Author

Level 1

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Oct 3, 2022 9:33 AM in response to AdamK146

I just upgraded to iOS 16. Now, when you touch and hold on any file in Files>iCloud, the first option you see in the menu is "Remove Download" if the file's on your device or "Download now" if it's only on the cloud. This works with files you've created from the device as well.

So there you go, there is now a way to manually offload files from your iOS device. I'm so glad they added this feature.

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Answer 4

muguy

Level 9

76,129 points

Sep 30, 2022 5:42 AM in response to AdamK146

No. Anything in iCloud is also on any iCloud-connected device.

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Answer 5

AdamK146 Author

Level 1

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Sep 30, 2022 6:08 AM in response to muguy

So how exactly does iCloud help me save my storage space? Like, if I decide to buy additional storage on iCloud, how does that help me if everything on there is also still present on my phone?

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How do I delete a file from my iPhone, but not from iCloud?

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