How to delete messages from an Apple ID no longer in use

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How to delete messages from an Apple ID no longer in use

Hi, I’m hoping someone can help.

I have two Apple IDs and I’m trying to get rid of one of them.

the problem is that this one was previously associated with extra iCloud storage however I no longer use it. I have 8gb in iCloud but I can’t see how to delete emails and messages when I am signed in on all devices with a different Apple ID. If I sign in with the other one I have the same messages on my phone so I’m not sure where to find them?

does anyone have any ideas?

Posted on Jan 22, 2026 10:05 AM

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Answer 1

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Phil0124

Community+ 2026

Level 10

232,430 points

Jan 22, 2026 10:35 AM in response to fapp141

Short answer: You can't.

Long answer: How are you seeing these 8GB being used if you are not logged in to the account then? Are you logging in to the account on iCloud.com website? You can't delete messages on the iCloud website, but you can delete files, photos and other data there.

If the old account is still has an active iCloud+ subscription, you would need to log into to it to cancel it. Deleting Messages and other content likewise require you be logged in to the account on a device.

click here ➜ How to cancel an iCloud+ subscription without an Apple device - Apple Support

If the old account is part of a Family sharing group with the new one, and you can see its storage usage, then as above, you need to log in to the old account on an Apple device to delete messages stored in iCloud.

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Answer 2

Jan 22, 2026 1:02 PM in response to fapp141

If you are logged in with the relevant account for iCloud and messages on a device, the messages should appear in the Messages app and nowhere else.

Emails should be visible in the Mail section of the iCloud website though and can be deleted from there.

With that said, anything exceeding 5GB will eventually be deleted by Apple, though that will just leave you with exactly 5GB of iCloud usage.

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Answer 3

fapp141 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 22, 2026 12:50 PM in response to Phil0124

Thanks for your quick reply. I did manage to log in to cancel it, and move the subscription over to my other Apple ID. You're right I viewed the 8GB on the iCloud website and was able to download photos from there. I was just concerned as by cancelling the extra storage I'm now 3GB over the free limit, so was hoping to manage what I've stored, but I can't really see exactly what it is easily!

It seems to be mostly emails and messages, but how I access them and find the largest size ones I have no idea.

I'm assuming not through the messages app but elsewhere on the device?

Thanks again

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How to delete messages from an Apple ID no longer in use

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