Reclaim wasted iCloud storage

1 Locate iCloud settings

In the recent iOS 10.3 software update, Apple consolidated settings that relate to your Apple ID, iCloud, and the iTunes and App Stores in one place, which is conveniently at the top of Settings. Start by tapping that row.

2 iCloud storage usage

Tap iCloud near the top of the next page. You’ll see a colour-coded breakdown of what’s using your iCloud storage – not just iCloud Drive, but email and backups, too. Tap that, and then tap Manage Storage.

3 Finer details

The next page breaks things down more precisely. Ignore the Documents & Data section lower down, despite it listing how much iCloud storage each of your apps is using. Instead, under Backups, tap the device you’re using.

4 Identify space hogs

Under the heading Choose Data to Back Up, tap Show All Apps, and then work your way down the list, noting any apps whose usage you consider excessive or unnecessary. You may be surprised by what’s backed up online.

5 Is it necessary?

Several of our apps’ backups were using a significant amount of the storage iCloud gives you for free. Consider turning off backups for apps that contain media that’s free to redownload, or for which there’s no benefit.

6 Free up the space

When you switch off an app’s backups, you’re asked to confirm; doing so deletes the backup data from iCloud immediately, freeing up space for what really matters, such as data that actually warrants being backed up.

7 What saves to iCloud

As well as disabling backups for apps, consider whether apps should save content to iCloud Drive at all, or if you’re content to use File Sharing (see apple.co/2nObcTV) to move files to and from your Mac manually.

8 Limit select apps

At the top of iCloud’s settings, scroll past Apps Using iCloud to third-party apps. Check online whether those that use lots of space support an easy transfer method (File Sharing, or AirDrop); switch off those that do.