5 Unbeatable Ways to Permanently Delete Data From iCloud [2024 Updated]

Usually, iCloud stores your phone backup, emails, photos, apps, and more. So the 5GB of free iCloud storage can easily be used up if you have tons of media files, and other data saved on your iPhone or iPad.

Once the free storage is used up, your iPhone will no longer back up to iCloud, unless you subscribe to a premium account. However, it’s way cheaper to declutter your iCloud than to pay for a subscription.

Let this article be your guide on how to permanently delete data from iCloud to save up more space for your iPhone. We have compiled 5 unbeatable ways to do so!

Part #1: Use iCloud.com to Permanently Delete Data, Photos, And Files Part #2: Permanently Delete Data from iCloud Via iCloud Drive on iPhonePart #3: Delete Old iCloud Backup From iPhone Part #4: Remove Text Messages And Large Attachments on The iPhonePart #5: Permanently Delete All Kinds of Data from iCloud with FoneDog iPhone CleanerPart #6: Summary

Part #1: Use iCloud.com to Permanently Delete Data, Photos, And Files

In case you are running out of iCloud storage, you can always log in to the browser version, iCloud.com to delete old and unwanted files.

You can permanently delete data from iCloud on various apps like Keynote, Mail, Reminders, Contacts, Calendar, iCloud Drive, Notes, Photos, Pages, Numbers, and Find My. All you need is to open the browser version and follow these steps:

1. Open iCloud.com in any browser
2. Log in with your Apple ID. Make sure that it is the same iCloud account with your iOS device
3. Go to iCloud Drive
4. Once opened, choose what data to remove. If you want to delete a folder, highlight the folder and click the Delete icon
5. If you want to erase files inside a folder, double-click the folder, and select the file you want to remove. Hold the CTRL key while clicking the files. Click the Delete icon

Part #2: Permanently Delete Data from iCloud Via iCloud Drive on iPhone

Your iCloud Drive syncs all your data across your iOS devices. And once you delete files you no longer need on your iPhone, they will also get deleted on other iOS devices. All the deleted files are saved for 30 days before they will be permanently deleted. But, you can permanently delete data from iCloud at any time you want to.

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone
2. Find and tap Browse, located at the bottom of your phone screen
3. Choose iCloud Drive from the Locations part
4. Decide whether to erase an entire folder or files inside a folder. If you want to delete an entire folder, find and tap Select found at the top right corner
5. Navigate to the folder that you want to delete and tap the Delete icon
6. If you want to erase files inside a folder, just open the folder and tap Select to choose the files, and hit delete

Part #3: Delete Old iCloud Backup From iPhone

Perhaps you may have noticed that your previous iCloud backups also take up much storage space. You can delete them to free up space and give way to new data. Sometimes, you might even see duplicate backups saved.

To permanently delete data from iCloud, follow this guide:

1. Launch the Settings app
2. Go to iCloud and then select Storage
3. Tap Manage Storage
4. Find Backups and tap your device name
5. Select Delete Backup
6. Tap Turn Off & Delete to confirm the request

Note that all the backup data on your iPhone will be deleted from iCloud. You can always create a backup hereon.

Part #4: Remove Text Messages And Large Attachments on The iPhone

If you’re the type of person who loves to keep conversations on the iPhone, well it’s high time to get rid of some of the old imessages you have and also remove large attachments, here are steps on how you can permanently delete data from iCloud.

1. Open the Messages app
2. Scroll over your conversations and navigate to those that have big attachments that may possibly take up space on your device
3. Select your friend’s name at the top and choose Info
4. Find and tap See All Photos from the Details page
5. Tap Select
6. Go over each photo that you want to delete. Tap Delete
7. Open the iMessage app
8. Navigate to the text conversations that you want to delete. Swipe it to the left
9. Tap Delete

Part #5: Permanently Delete All Kinds of Data from iCloud with FoneDog iPhone Cleaner

The methods above are excellent ways to permanently delete your data from iCloud, however, it takes time to manually go over your files. And unfortunately, you may not be able to totally clear out the clutters on iCloud.

Good thing, FoneDog iPhone Cleaner comes with highly efficient tools to help you get rid of unwanted data that may have been cluttering inside your iOS device.

Free Download Free Download

FoneDog iPhone Cleaner has 3 main features:

• Free Up Space - This feature cleans up your iPhone from junk files, cache, temporary files, and more
• Erase All Data - This allows you to permanently delete data from iCloud with a 100% guarantee that no data is recoverable.
• Erase Private Data - This removes all the sensitive data from your iPhone and make sure that they are irrecoverable too

How to Permanently Delete Data from iCloud using FoneDog iPhone Cleaner?

Step #1: Launch FoneDog iPhone Cleaner And Connect iPhone

After you have successfully installed FoneDog iPhone Cleaner, launch the program and connect your iPhone using a USB cable.

If you haven’t downloaded the software yet, be sure to follow the onscreen guide on how to install the program on your computer.

Step #2: Choose Erase All Data

FoneDog iPhone Cleaner will automatically detect your iPhone, and gives you the feature to view your total storage. At this point, go to the left-side menu and choose the feature called Erase All Data.

Pro Tip: Ensure that no apps are running or updating on your device and the Find My app is currently disabled.

Step #3: Select Security Level

You need to select the security level for the type of data erasing. Choose from Low, Middle, and High. By default, the software sets it to Middle. Click the level of your choice and hit the Start button.

Step #4: Confirm Erase

Next, you need to enter the default erase password which is 0000 and click Erase. Just wait for the program to completely and permanently delete data from iCloud and iPhone.

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Part #6: Summary

iCloud is an excellent feature of iOS, however, if you prefer not to upgrade to a premium service, then you can maximize your iCloud by removing unwanted and old files from it.

In order to permanently delete data from iCloud, you can follow any of the 5 methods we presented above. However, if you are looking for a quicker and smoother option, we recommend FoneDog iPhone Cleaner.