How to Cancel iCloud+ Storage in 2026

iCloud+ plans cost $0.99 to $12.99/month for extra storage. If you're paying for space you don't need, here's how to downgrade to the free 5GB plan — and what to do so you don't lose your photos and files.

Cancel on iPhone/iPad

1. Open Settings → tap your name at top
2. Tap iCloud → Manage Account Storage
3. Tap Change Storage Plan
4. Select Downgrade Options → choose Free 5GB
5. Enter your Apple ID password → confirm

Cancel on Mac

1. Apple menu → System Settings → click your name
2. Click iCloud → Manage
3. Click Change Storage Plan → Downgrade Options
4. Select Free 5GB → confirm

Cancel on Web

1. Go to icloud.com → sign in
2. Click your name → Account Settings
3. Under Storage, click Manage → Change Storage Plan
4. Select Downgrade → choose Free tier

What Happens When You Downgrade

• Paid plan continues until billing period ends
• If over 5GB: iCloud stops syncing new data
• After 30 days over limit: Apple starts removing files (newest first)
• iCloud Photos: photos stay on device but stop syncing
• iCloud Drive files: accessible at icloud.com but no sync
• Device backups: won't run if over limit

How to Free Up iCloud Space Before Canceling

1. Download photos locally: Use Google Photos (free unlimited at reduced quality) or download originals to your Mac/PC
2. Delete old device backups: Settings → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups → delete old devices
3. Clear iCloud Drive: Move files to local storage or another cloud service
4. Disable iCloud Photos: This is usually the biggest storage hog — turn it off after downloading originals
5. Delete old iMessages: Large attachments in Messages can eat gigabytes

iCloud+ Features You Lose

Beyond storage, iCloud+ includes features that disappear when you downgrade:

• iCloud Private Relay: VPN-like privacy for Safari browsing
• Hide My Email: Create random email aliases
• HomeKit Secure Video: Camera recording storage
• Custom Email Domain: yourname@yourdomain.com through iCloud

Free Alternatives

• Google Photos: 15GB free (shared with Gmail/Drive)
• Google Drive: 15GB free cloud storage
• OneDrive: 5GB free (15GB with referrals)
• Local backup: Back up to your Mac via Finder (free, unlimited)
• Proton Drive: 1GB free, privacy-focused

Family Sharing Implications

If you share iCloud+ storage with family members, downgrading kicks everyone back to their individual 5GB plans. Warn your family members before canceling so they can back up their own data.

Annual Savings: $12-$156/Year

iCloud+ plans cost $0.99/mo (50GB), $2.99/mo (200GB), $6.99/mo (2TB), or $12.99/mo (6TB/12TB). Most people are on the 50GB or 200GB plan, saving $12-$36/year. Not huge individually, but it adds up with other Apple subscriptions.