How to Reduce
iCloud Storage Usage

You are paying .99/month for 200 GB of iCloud storage. That is 6/year. Here is how to get it down to the free 5 GB tier and stop paying Apple.

Step 1: Audit what is using space

Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage. Note which categories are using the most space. Usually it is Backups, Photos, and iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Download Photos locally

Open Photos > Settings > iCloud > select "Download Originals to this Mac". Wait until all photos are downloaded. This can take hours for large libraries.

Step 3: Delete old backups

In iCloud settings, go to Manage > Backups. Delete backups for old devices. Each backup can free 10-50 GB instantly.

Step 4: Clean iCloud Drive

Your Desktop and Documents folders are synced to iCloud by default. Delete node_modules folders, .git directories, old archives, and files you do not need. These are often the biggest space hogs for developers.

Step 5: Turn off iCloud Photos

After confirming all photos are downloaded locally: Photos > Settings > iCloud > uncheck "iCloud Photos".

Step 6: Disable Desktop sync

System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive > turn off "Desktop & Documents Folders".

Step 7: Downgrade to free plan

Once your usage is under 5 GB: System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Plan > Downgrade Options > choose the free 5 GB plan.