iCloud keeps downloading cloud files even after removing them manually from the SSD to fill the storage.

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iCloud keeps downloading cloud files even after removing them manually from the SSD to fill the storage.

i have a problem with my macbook Air 13" early 2015, it has a 128 GB storage, and i have my iCloud synchronized, so, it should have all my iCloud drive files saved online, and don't keep trying to download ALL, literally ALL my iCloud Drive files (i have 300GB on the cloud and don't even open them) onto the MacBook SSD, letting me without almost any storage left. I have the option enabled in settings of "Store in iCloud" about saving my desktop and documents folder items onto iCloud Drive, but it keeps downloading them all (even the files I add from my iPhone), even after removing all the downloads manually from Finder.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Feb 4, 2026 10:43 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 4, 2026 11:17 AM in response to isaac_meyou

You don't mention this: Do you have "Optimize" turned on?

The normal process is that whatever is in the iCloud Drive folder on your Mac is copied to iCloud.com. Files in the iCloud Drive folder exist in both places. That's what "i have my iCloud synchronized," means.

If you turn on Optimize, then files that aren't used much may be removed from the local iCloud Drive folder when space gets cramped. You can actually control which files you need to remain local.

You might want to see this:

Understanding iCloud Drive - Apple Community

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iCloud keeps downloading cloud files even after removing them manually from the SSD to fill the storage.

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