How to Cancel iCloud Subscription – Step-by-Step Guide for All Devices

Maybe you're switching to a different cloud storage provider like Google Drive or Dropbox. Perhaps you bought a new device with more local storage or no longer need to back up as much data. Or maybe you're simply cleaning up recurring expenses. Whatever the reason, canceling or downgrading your iCloud+ subscription is a quick and easy process—if you know where to look.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to cancel iCloud subscription on every major platform:

• iPhone and iPad
  
  
• Mac (macOS Ventura and earlier versions)
  
  
• Windows PC
  
  
• Web browser (iCloud.com)
  
  
• And even through Apple One bundles
  
  

We’ll also walk you through what happens after you cancel, including whether you lose your data, how long you’ll have to clear out files, and how to resubscribe later if needed. Plus, we’ll answer frequently asked questions like:

• Can you cancel and keep iCloud Photos?
  
  
• What happens if your iCloud storage is full?
  
  
• Are there any alternatives to iCloud that work well with Apple devices?
  
  

Knowing how to cancel iCloud subscription doesn’t mean giving up on cloud storage altogether—it just means taking control over how much you pay and what you use. If you’re unsure about the impact of cancellation, don’t worry: we’ll explain the difference between downgrading and fully canceling, so you can make an informed choice.

Let’s begin with an important section: what exactly happens when you cancel iCloud+? Do your photos disappear? Will your iPhone still back up? Here's what you need to know.

2. What Happens When You Cancel iCloud Subscription?

Before you go ahead and cancel your iCloud+ plan, it’s important to understand exactly what will happen to your data, storage, and account. While Apple gives you full control over subscriptions, it also protects your files with some built-in safety nets—especially if you're over the free 5GB limit. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect when you follow through on how to cancel iCloud subscription.

1. Your Plan Will Downgrade at the End of the Billing Cycle

When you cancel iCloud+, your storage plan doesn't end immediately. You’ll continue to use your upgraded storage until the current billing cycle ends—whether it’s monthly or yearly. After that, your account will automatically downgrade to the free 5GB tier.

2. If You're Over the 5GB Limit, Syncing and Backups Stop

Once your storage downgrades, if you’re using more than 5GB, some features will stop working:

• iCloud Photos: No new photos or videos will be uploaded to iCloud.
  
  
• iCloud Drive: New files won’t sync.
  
  
• Device Backups: Automatic backups will pause until you free up space or upgrade again.
  Your existing data isn’t deleted right away, but you’ll need to bring your usage below 5GB to keep all services running smoothly.
  
  

3. You Won’t Lose Data Immediately

Apple gives you a grace period after cancellation. Your files will remain in iCloud temporarily, even if you’re over the free limit. However, you won’t be able to add or sync new content until you delete files or upgrade again.

4. You Can Still Access Important Services

Even with only 5GB, features like Find My iPhone, Mail, and Contacts continue to function. So canceling your iCloud subscription doesn’t disable your Apple ID or core services—it just limits storage-based features.

5. Family Sharing Members Are Also Affected

If you’re part of a Family Sharing plan with shared iCloud+ storage, canceling or downgrading will remove access for everyone. Make sure to notify members or transfer ownership before making changes.

Understanding the implications is key when learning how to cancel iCloud subscription responsibly. Up next, we’ll walk you through the most common method: canceling on your iPhone or iPad.

3. How to Cancel iCloud Subscription on iPhone or iPad

Most Apple users manage their iCloud+ subscription directly from their iPhone or iPad. This is the easiest and most intuitive way to make changes to your storage plan, whether you want to cancel, downgrade, or switch between tiers. If you’re wondering exactly how to cancel iCloud subscription on your iPhone or iPad, follow the step-by-step guide below.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings App
   Unlock your device and tap the Settings icon.
   
   
2. Tap Your Apple ID at the Top
   Your name and profile picture will appear at the top of the screen. Tap on it to access your Apple ID settings.
   
   
3. Select “iCloud”
   Scroll down and tap iCloud to open your cloud storage settings.
   
   
4. Tap “Manage Account Storage” or “Manage Storage”
   Depending on your iOS version, you may see either of these. Tap it to view your current iCloud+ plan.
   
   
5. Choose “Change Storage Plan”
   You’ll now see your current subscription and other available plans.
   
   
6. Tap “Downgrade Options” at the Bottom
   You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID for authentication.
   
   
7. Select the Free 5GB Plan
   Choose the free 5GB option, then tap Done or Confirm to complete cancellation.
   
   

Important Notes:

• Cancellation Takes Effect After the Billing Cycle Ends
  You’ll still have access to your full iCloud+ storage until the current billing period ends.
  
  
• If You’re Using More Than 5GB
  After downgrade, features like iCloud Photos, Drive, and backups may stop functioning until you clear space.
  
  
• For Family Sharing Plans
  If you're the family organizer, canceling will also revoke storage access for all members. Make sure everyone is informed before proceeding.
  
  
• Need to Cancel Apple One Instead?
  If your iCloud+ is part of an Apple One bundle, you'll need to cancel or downgrade the full Apple One subscription (covered in Section 7).
  
  

Knowing how to cancel iCloud subscription on an iPhone or iPad ensures you’re not paying for storage you don’t use. It also helps you better manage your digital space and stay in control of your monthly expenses.

Next, we’ll show you how to cancel iCloud from your Mac—perfect for those who manage their Apple ID from a computer.

4. How to Cancel iCloud Subscription on a Mac

If you primarily use a Mac and want to manage or cancel your iCloud+ storage plan, Apple makes it easy through System Settings (macOS Ventura and later) or System Preferences (earlier versions). Whether you're on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac, here’s how to cancel iCloud subscription in just a few steps.

For macOS Ventura or Later:

1. Click the Apple Menu  and Go to “System Settings”
   You’ll find this in the top-left corner of your screen.
   
   
2. Click Your Name (Apple ID)
   This opens your Apple ID overview, including iCloud and subscriptions.
   
   
3. Select “iCloud”
   You’ll now see details about your current iCloud usage.
   
   
4. Click “Manage” Next to iCloud Storage
   This opens storage settings for your Apple ID.
   
   
5. Click “Change Storage Plan”
   A window will appear showing your current iCloud+ subscription.
   
   
6. Choose “Downgrade Options”
   Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
   
   
7. Select the Free 5GB Plan
   Confirm the change by clicking Done or Confirm.
   
   

For macOS Monterey or Earlier:

1. Go to System Preferences > Apple ID
   
   
2. Click iCloud > Manage
   
   
3. Then follow the same steps above to downgrade your plan
   
   

Key Things to Remember:

• The downgrade will take effect after your current billing cycle ends.
  
  
• Your data remains safe for a short period even if you're over the free 5GB limit—but syncing will be paused.
  
  
• If you're part of Family Sharing and the organizer, canceling will affect all members.
  
  

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Can’t find the “Change Storage Plan” option? Make sure you're signed into the correct Apple ID.
  
  
• Getting a message about needing more storage? You may need to clear space before canceling.
  
  

Understanding how to cancel iCloud subscription on your Mac gives you flexibility to manage your plan without relying on an iPhone or iPad. Up next, we’ll cover how to cancel iCloud storage from a Windows PC.

5. How to Cancel iCloud Subscription on Windows PC

Apple provides a Windows-compatible iCloud app for users who need to manage their cloud storage on a PC. If you're a Windows user and you're wondering how to cancel iCloud subscription without owning an iPhone or Mac, you can do it either through the iCloud for Windows app or directly via the web (covered in the next section).

Here's how to cancel your iCloud+ storage plan using the iCloud for Windows desktop app:

Step-by-Step: Using iCloud for Windows

1. Open the iCloud App
   Launch the iCloud for Windows application. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the Microsoft Store or Apple’s website.
   
   
2. Sign In with Your Apple ID
   Use the same Apple ID that your iCloud subscription is tied to.
   
   
3. Click “Storage”
   Inside the app interface, you’ll see an overview of storage usage. Click the Storage button to manage your iCloud space.
   
   
4. Go to “Change Storage Plan”
   A new window will show your current iCloud+ subscription details.
   
   
5. Select “Downgrade Options”
   You may be prompted to sign in again or enter your Apple ID password for confirmation.
   
   
6. Choose the Free 5GB Plan
   Select the free tier, then confirm the cancellation by clicking Done or OK.
   
   

Important Notes:

• The cancellation will only take effect at the end of the current billing period.
  
  
• If you’re over 5GB of usage, syncing of files, photos, and device backups will stop unless you delete content.
  
  
• If you're using iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive on your PC, files will no longer sync or back up automatically.
  
  

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you don’t see the “Change Storage Plan” button, make sure you’re logged in with the correct Apple ID.
  
  
• The iCloud app may need to be updated to the latest version to reflect subscription changes.
  
  

Even if you're using Windows, you’re not locked out of storage management. Knowing how to cancel iCloud subscription on a PC ensures you're not stuck paying for cloud services you no longer need.

Next up, let’s look at how to cancel iCloud storage from any web browser.

6. How to Cancel iCloud Subscription via Web Browser

If you don’t have access to an Apple device or the iCloud desktop app, don’t worry—you can still manage your iCloud+ storage plan from any browser. Whether you’re using a Chromebook, Linux machine, or a shared computer, here’s how to cancel iCloud subscription through iCloud.com or Apple’s account website.

Method 1: Via Apple ID Website

1. Go to https://appleid.apple.com
   This is Apple’s official site for managing your Apple ID, subscriptions, and security settings.
   
   
2. Sign In with Your Apple ID
   Enter your Apple ID credentials tied to the iCloud+ subscription.
   
   
3. Navigate to “Subscriptions”
   Click on the Devices & Subscriptions section.
   
   
4. Locate iCloud+ and Click “Manage”
   Find the iCloud+ entry, then select Manage or View Details.
   
   
5. Click “Cancel Subscription” or “Downgrade”
   Choose the free 5GB option to cancel your paid plan.
   
   

Method 2: Via iCloud.com

Currently, iCloud.com does not offer direct access to subscription management, but it does allow you to view and manage files, photos, notes, and more. For actual billing changes, you’ll need to use the Apple ID site as described above.

Why Use the Browser Method?

• It works on any device with internet access.
  
  
• No software installation required.
  
  
• Perfect for users without Apple or Windows devices.
  
  

What Happens After Cancellation:

• Your downgrade will take effect at the end of the billing period.
  
  
• If you exceed 5GB of usage, syncing and backups will stop, but Apple won't immediately delete your data.
  
  
• You'll receive warning emails from Apple if your iCloud is over capacity.
  
  

Whether you're a non-Apple user or simply prefer not to install extra apps, this browser-based method makes it easy to handle your iCloud plan. Understanding how to cancel iCloud subscription online ensures you’re never locked out of your own billing preferences.

7. How to Cancel iCloud+ If You’re on Apple One

Apple One is a bundled subscription plan that includes several Apple services—Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, and optionally Apple News+ and Fitness+. If you're subscribed to Apple One, your iCloud+ storage is part of the package, and you won’t see a separate option to manage or cancel iCloud+ by itself.

So, what if you want to reduce costs or no longer need the storage but still want other services? Here's how to cancel or modify your plan if you're wondering how to cancel iCloud subscription while using Apple One.

Can You Cancel Only iCloud+ from Apple One?

No. If your iCloud storage is part of Apple One, you can't cancel it individually. You have three options:

1. Cancel Apple One Entirely
   
   
2. Downgrade Apple One to an individual plan with less storage
   
   
3. Switch back to a standalone iCloud+ plan after canceling Apple One
   
   

How to Cancel Apple One (and iCloud+) on iPhone or iPad:

1. Go to Settings > Your Apple ID > Subscriptions
   
   
2. Tap Apple One
   
   
3. Choose Cancel Apple One
   
   
4. Confirm cancellation when prompted
   
   

Your current plan will remain active until the end of the billing cycle. After that, iCloud+ storage and other services will be removed.

On Mac:

1. Open System Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions
   
   
2. Select Apple One
   
   
3. Click Cancel Subscription
   
   

What Happens After Canceling Apple One?

• Your iCloud storage will return to the free 5GB tier unless you resubscribe to a standalone iCloud+ plan.
  
  
• All other bundled services like Apple Music or Apple TV+ will also end unless subscribed separately.
  
  

Tip:

After canceling Apple One, you can immediately subscribe to iCloud+ again using the same steps outlined earlier in this blog. This is useful if you only want storage and not the full Apple bundle.

When learning how to cancel iCloud subscription, knowing how it’s bundled is key. Apple One can complicate cancellation, but it’s manageable once you understand your options.

Next, let’s break down the difference between canceling and downgrading iCloud+.

8. Downgrade vs Cancel – What’s the Difference?

When managing your iCloud+ plan, you’ll notice that Apple doesn’t use the word “cancel” in most places—it uses “Change Storage Plan” or “Downgrade Options.” That’s because technically, you're not unsubscribing from iCloud altogether, but reducing your plan back to the free 5GB tier.

So, if you're searching for how to cancel iCloud subscription, it’s important to understand the difference between downgrading and canceling—because in Apple’s ecosystem, they’re effectively the same action with different labels.

What Is Downgrading Your iCloud+ Plan?

Downgrading means switching from a paid storage tier (50GB, 200GB, or 2TB) back to the free 5GB plan. You still retain access to iCloud and your Apple ID, but your storage is limited, and some syncing features may stop if you exceed the limit.

What Does “Canceling” iCloud+ Mean?

There’s no official “cancel iCloud” button—canceling is done by downgrading your plan to the free tier. This allows Apple to maintain essential services tied to your Apple ID (like Find My, iCloud Mail, Calendar, Contacts) while removing paid storage benefits.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Action

Storage After

Access to iCloud Services

Subscription Charges

Downgrade

5GB

Yes

No

Cancel Apple One (with iCloud+)

5GB or none if not resubscribed

Yes

No (unless resubscribed)

When Should You Downgrade Instead of Cancel?

• If you still want to use basic iCloud features like syncing contacts or Find My iPhone
  
  
• If you want to keep using iCloud Mail without paying for extra storage
  
  
• If you're considering rejoining iCloud+ in the near future
  
  

Can You Upgrade Again Later?

Absolutely. Downgrading isn’t permanent—you can upgrade to a paid iCloud+ plan again at any time. Your photos, backups, and documents may even be restored if done within Apple’s grace period.

Understanding these terms helps you better navigate how to cancel iCloud subscription while preserving essential services and avoiding surprises. Up next: common issues users face when trying to cancel, and how to solve them.

9. Common Issues When Cancelling iCloud Subscription

Canceling your iCloud subscription is usually a smooth process, but like any digital service, there can be hiccups—especially if you're managing multiple devices, accounts, or using third-party billing. If you're trying to figure out how to cancel iCloud subscription but something's not working right, here are the most common problems people run into and how to solve them.

1. You Don’t See the Option to “Change Storage Plan”

Possible Causes:

• You're not signed in to the correct Apple ID.
  
  
• Your iCloud+ subscription is part of an Apple One bundle.
  
  
• You're accessing iCloud settings from a device with outdated software.
  
  

Fix:
Double-check your Apple ID under Settings > [Your Name]. If you're part of Apple One, refer to Section 7. Also, update your device to the latest version of iOS, macOS, or iCloud for Windows.

2. You Subscribed Through a Different Apple Device

Some users manage multiple Apple IDs or have subscriptions started on different devices. For example, you may have subscribed to iCloud+ on your Mac, but you're now trying to cancel it via an iPhone that uses another Apple ID.

Fix:
Make sure you're logged in to the same Apple ID across all devices. You can check subscription info at https://appleid.apple.com if you're unsure.

3. You’re Over the 5GB Limit and Can’t Cancel

Technically, you can still downgrade even if you're using more than 5GB, but you’ll get repeated warning messages saying syncing may stop or backups could fail.

Fix:
Apple won’t delete your data immediately after cancellation, but you’ll need to free up space to keep basic syncing working. Prioritize backing up your photos and files before downgrading.

4. “Manage Storage” Button Not Working

This usually happens when there’s a temporary software glitch or syncing issue.

Fix:

• Sign out and back into iCloud
  
  
• Force quit the app or settings window and reopen it
  
  
• Try canceling via a different device or browser
  
  

5. iCloud is Managed by Family Sharing

If you’re part of a Family Sharing plan, only the family organizer can cancel or change the storage plan.

Fix:
Ask the organizer to follow the cancellation steps via their Apple ID account.

Knowing how to troubleshoot these issues helps ensure your attempt to cancel iCloud subscription is successful—without wasting time or dealing with surprise charges.

10. Alternatives to iCloud Storage

If you're stepping away from iCloud+, you might still need a secure place to store files, back up photos, or sync documents across devices. The good news? There are plenty of reliable and affordable alternatives to iCloud storage that work well with both Apple and non-Apple devices.

Here are some of the top iCloud+ competitors and what makes each one a solid option after you've learned how to cancel iCloud subscription.

1. Google Drive

• Free Plan: 15GB
  
  
• Paid Plans: Starting at $1.99/month for 100GB (Google One)
  
  
• Pros: Excellent integration with Gmail, Google Photos, Docs, Sheets; works across all platforms.
  
  
• Best For: Users who already use Google Workspace or want more free storage than iCloud offers.
  
  

2. Dropbox

• Free Plan: 2GB
  
  
• Paid Plans: $9.99/month for 2TB
  
  
• Pros: Industry-leading file sync, file request feature, professional collaboration tools.
  
  
• Best For: Power users and businesses that need robust sharing and syncing.
  
  

3. Microsoft OneDrive

• Free Plan: 5GB
  
  
• Paid Plans: 100GB for $1.99/month or bundled with Microsoft 365
  
  
• Pros: Deep integration with Windows and Office apps, works on Mac and iOS too.
  
  
• Best For: Microsoft 365 subscribers or Windows users with cross-platform needs.
  
  

4. pCloud

• Free Plan: 10GB
  
  
• Unique Option: One-time lifetime payment available
  
  
• Pros: Encryption-focused storage, fast uploads, great media streaming.
  
  
• Best For: Privacy-conscious users looking for long-term value.
  
  

5. MEGA

• Free Plan: 20GB (with bonuses)
  
  
• Pros: End-to-end encryption, generous storage for free users.
  
  
• Cons: Slightly slower sync speeds than competitors.
  
  
• Best For: Users who prioritize privacy and security.
  
  

Bonus Tip: Migrating from iCloud

If you’re moving your files and photos out of iCloud, tools like Google Takeout, CloudHQ, or MultCloud can help with data transfers across platforms.

Once you’ve figured out how to cancel iCloud subscription, these services provide a seamless path to keep your digital life backed up—on your terms.

11. How to Resubscribe to iCloud+ Later

If you’ve canceled or downgraded your iCloud+ plan and later realize you need more storage again, rejoining is easy. Whether you want to back up more photos, use iCloud Drive for work files, or enable device backups across multiple Apple devices, you can upgrade your plan anytime. Here's how to resubscribe to iCloud+, especially after learning how to cancel iCloud subscription.

How Long Does Apple Keep Your Data?

After downgrading your iCloud storage, Apple gives you a grace period—usually 30 days or more—before permanently deleting any data. During this time, you can still resubscribe to iCloud+ and regain full access to your files, photos, and backups. However, if you wait too long, some or all of your data may be removed, especially if your iCloud storage exceeds the free 5GB.

How to Resubscribe on iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app
   
   
2. Tap your Apple ID name at the top
   
   
3. Go to iCloud > Manage Storage > Change Storage Plan
   
   
4. Choose a paid plan (50GB, 200GB, or 2TB)
   
   
5. Tap Subscribe and confirm with your Apple ID or Face ID
   
   

How to Resubscribe on Mac:

1. Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud
   
   
2. Click Manage > Change Storage Plan
   
   
3. Choose a higher-tier plan and confirm your selection
   
   

Via iCloud for Windows:

1. Open the iCloud app
   
   
2. Click Storage > Change Storage Plan
   
   
3. Sign in and select a paid option
   
   

What Happens When You Resubscribe?

• If within Apple’s retention window, your previous iCloud data (including photos, files, and messages) will reappear.
  
  
• iCloud syncing resumes across all your devices.
  
  
• Device backups restart automatically if they were previously enabled.
  
  

Can You Switch Between Tiers Anytime?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your iCloud+ plan at any time. Charges will be adjusted based on your billing cycle.

If you’ve previously followed steps on how to cancel iCloud subscription, rest assured that reactivation is just as simple. Apple gives you the flexibility to switch plans based on your storage needs—without losing your digital content.

12. FAQs – Cancelling iCloud Subscription

Still have questions about what happens when you stop using iCloud+? Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions people have when researching how to cancel iCloud subscription across Apple devices.

1. Will I Lose My Data If I Cancel iCloud+?

Not immediately. Apple gives you time (usually 30 days or more) to manage or download your data. However, if you're using more than the free 5GB and don’t resubscribe, Apple may eventually delete excess data.

2. Can I Keep Using iCloud Services After Cancelling?

Yes. Even with the free 5GB plan, you’ll still have access to essential iCloud services like:

• Find My iPhone
  
  
• Contacts, Calendar, Notes
  
  
• Mail (as long as it doesn’t exceed storage)
  
  

Only storage-intensive services like iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, and device backups will be affected.

3. What If I Cancel During a Free Trial?

If you’re using the iCloud+ free trial and cancel before it ends, your plan will revert to the free 5GB immediately. No charges will apply unless you let the trial expire into a paid cycle.

4. Does Unsubscribing from Apple One Also Cancel iCloud+?

Yes. If you’re using iCloud+ through Apple One, canceling the bundle removes iCloud storage access. You’ll need to subscribe separately to iCloud+ afterward if needed.

5. Can I Cancel From Any Device?

Yes. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC, or even a browser, you can access your Apple ID and cancel or manage your iCloud+ plan.

6. How Do I Know If I Successfully Canceled?

After you cancel or downgrade, you’ll see your plan set to “Expires on [date]” under iCloud > Manage Storage. You won’t see a renewal date, and billing will stop after that expiration.

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