How To Cancel iCloud Subscription

Cloud storage is something that has really taken away the need to carry portable storage devices. But as I always say, multiple options for a single need tend to confuse you, and those who have subscribed to iCloud storage are somehow not so happy and want to unsubscribe. Cloud storage not only provides storage but also comes with various other benefits and enables many of your digital accounts to conveniently sync the data.

An iCloud subscription is the paid plan offered by Apple for its iCloud service, which is a cloud storage and cloud computing service that allows users to store data like photos, videos, documents, app data, and also backups online, which users can then access from any Apple device or through a web browser. Well, it comes with a cost and what could be more expensive than any of the Apple service or product and this is what I believe is the primary reason for many to unsubscribe and look for other cheaper options.

This guide is for you then, to help you understand on varying ways to cancel iCloud depending on your device and OS type. I have mentioned a few important pointers for you to consider before you start to cancel. For managing data and your storage on cloud, you must need such a service and for that sake, I have mentioned some alternatives to iCloud also.

What To Know Before Canceling iCloud Subscription?

Before you start to cancel your iCloud+ subscription, I have mentioned below several important factors for you to consider and ensure you don’t lose access to your data or disrupt the services you rely on;

1. Data Storage Limits

• Current Usage vs. Free Plan: If your current plan with iCloud storage has exceeded 5 GB (the amount offered in the free plan), you will then need to reduce your storage usage before you cancel. In case you don’t then the new data won’t be uploaded to iCloud, and some certain services may also stop working.
• Photos and Videos: In case you are also using iCloud Photos, and your photos and videos exceed 5 GB, remember that they will no longer sync across your devices. There will also be access denial to full-resolution photos stored in iCloud unless you download them to your device.
• Backups: Device backups in iCloud could also stop in case you downgrade to the free plan, specifically if the backup has exceeded the available storage. This would also impact your ability to restore your device from a backup in the future.

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2. iCloud Services Affected

• iCloud Photos: In case your photo library is larger than the free 5 GB then iCloud Photos will also stop syncing across your devices. The photo library will remain partially accessible, as this depends on available space.
• iCloud Drive: Files stored in your iCloud Drive may also no longer sync, and you could also lose access to documents and data stored there storage has exceeded 5 GB.
• iCloud Backup: Automatic backups for your iPhone, iPad, or other devices could be discontinued in case they can’t fit within the 5 GB free limit.
• iCloud Mail: In case your iCloud Mail account is availing more than the available storage, you may not be able to send or receive new emails.

3. Shared Services

• Family Sharing: In case you are sharing an iCloud+ plan with family members, canceling the iCloud subscription will impact all users and they could lose access to services like additional storage, HomeKit Secure Video, and more.
• HomeKit Secure Video: If you are also using HomeKit Secure Video for security cameras, you would then also lose video storage capability, as the free plan does not support it.

4. Private Relay, Hide My Email, and Custom Email Domain

• Private Relay: Canceling iCloud+ will also discontinue the Private Relay feature, which helps protect your privacy by concealing your IP address and all browsing activity.
• Hide My Email: The Hide My Email feature, for creating and using random email addresses, will also no longer be available.
• Custom Email Domain: If you are also using a custom email domain with iCloud Mail, this feature will also be disabled.

5. Re-enrollment

• Re-subscribing: If you after canceling decide to need more storage again, you can re-subscribe at any time. Remember that any removed data after cancellation may not be recoverable.

6. Backup Your Data

• Download Important Data: Before you cancel, it’s always advised to download and back up important files, photos, and emails to ensure you don’t lose anything important.

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iCloud Subscription Plans

Apple provides several iCloud+ plans that offer additional cloud storage and features in addition to the free 5 GB included with every Apple ID. Below is a breakdown of the available plans;

1. Free Plan: 5 GB

• Storage: 5 GB
• Features: iCloud Backup, iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, and device syncing across Apple devices.
• Best For: Light users who only need a small amount of cloud storage for backups, documents, and photos.

2. iCloud+ 50 GB Plan

• Storage: 50 GB
• Price: $0.99 per month (prices may vary by region)
• Features:
  • Everything included in the free plan
  • Private Relay (beta) for secure browsing
  • Hide My Email for creating private email addresses
  • HomeKit Secure Video support for one camera
• Best For: For those who need more storage for photos, backups, and app data.

3. iCloud+ 200 GB Plan

• Storage: 200 GB
• Price: $2.99 per month (prices may vary by region)
• Features:
  • Everything included in the 50 GB plan
  • Family Sharing: Sharing with up to five other family members
  • HomeKit Secure Video support for up to five cameras
• Best For Families or those with moderate storage needs for sharing storage with family members.

4. iCloud+ 2 TB Plan

• Storage: 2 TB (2,000 GB)
• Price: $9.99 per month (prices may vary by region)
• Features:
  • Everything included in the 200 GB plan
  • Family Sharing: Share with up to five other family members
  • HomeKit Secure Video support for an unlimited number of cameras
  • Custom Email Domain: Use a custom email address with iCloud Mail
• Best For: Heavy users or families with large storage needs which include large photo libraries, backups, and shared files.

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Can I Cancel my iCloud Subscription Anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your iCloud subscription anytime, make sure that you have understood the above-mentioned implications, terms, and policies.

How To Cancel iCloud Subscription?

Canceling your iCloud subscription depends upon the device and the OS you are using, I have mentioned different ways for individual OS;

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app.
   • Tap your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID settings.
2. Tap “iCloud.”
   • Next, select “Manage Storage” or “iCloud Storage.”
3. Tap “Change Storage Plan.”
   • You will see your current iCloud plan and options to upgrade or downgrade.
4. Tap “Downgrade Options.”
   • Enter your Apple ID password to proceed.
5. Choose a “Free” Plan.
   • Select the “Free” 5 GB plan. This will cancel your current paid subscription.
6. Tap “Done” to confirm.
   • Your subscription will be downgraded at the end of the current billing cycle.

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings or System Preferences.
   • Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” on older macOS versions).
2. Click “Apple ID.”
   • Then select “iCloud.”
3. Click “Manage” next to iCloud Storage.
   • In newer macOS versions, you might see this option directly within the iCloud settings.
4. Click “Change Storage Plan.”
   • Then choose “Downgrade Options.”
5. Select the “Free” Plan.
   • Choose the free 5 GB plan to cancel your current subscription.
6. Click “Done” to confirm.
   • The downgrade will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

On Windows (via iCloud for Windows):

1. Open iCloud for Windows.
   • You can also download iCloud for Windows if you haven’t already installed it.
2. Click “Storage.”
   • This will open the iCloud storage management options.
3. Click “Change Storage Plan.”
   • Select “Downgrade Options.”
4. Choose the “Free” Plan.
   • Opt for the free 5 GB plan.
5. Click “Done” to confirm.
   • Your plan will be downgraded at the end of the billing cycle.

On the Web (via iCloud.com):

1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in.
   • Use your Apple ID credentials to log in.
2. Access Account Settings.
   • Click on your name or account settings.
3. Manage Storage Plan.
   • Search for the option to manage your iCloud storage plan.
4. Downgrade to the Free Plan.
   • Choose the free 5 GB plan to cancel your current subscription.
5. Confirm the Downgrade.
   • The cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

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How To Downgrade Your Current iCloud Subscription Plan?

You can also downgrade your iCloud+ subscription to a lower-tier plan below is how you can do it on different devices:

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app.
   • Tap on your name at the top of the screen to open Apple ID settings.
2. Tap “iCloud.”
   • Then select “Manage Storage” or “iCloud Storage.”
3. Tap “Change Storage Plan.”
   • A list of all your current iCloud plans and options to upgrade or downgrade will appear.
4. Tap “Downgrade Options.”
   • Enter your Apple ID password to continue.
5. Choose Your New Plan:
   • Select the desired lower-tier plan (e.g., from 2 TB to 200 GB).
6. Tap “Done” to Confirm.
   • The downgrade will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings or System Preferences.
   • Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, then select “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” on older macOS versions).
2. Click “Apple ID.”
   • Then select “iCloud.”
3. Click “Manage” next to iCloud Storage.
   • In newer macOS versions, you might see this option directly within the iCloud settings.
4. Click “Change Storage Plan.”
   • Then choose “Downgrade Options.”
5. Select Your New Plan:
   • Pick the lower-tier plan.
6. Click “Done” to Confirm.
   • The downgrade will take effect after your current billing period ends.

On Windows (via iCloud for Windows):

1. Open iCloud for Windows.
   • If you don’t have it, you can easily download it from the Apple website.
2. Click “Storage.”
   • The iCloud storage management options will appear.
3. Click “Change Storage Plan.”
   • Then select “Downgrade Options.”
4. Choose Your New Plan:
   • Select the desired lower-tier plan.
5. Click “Done” to Confirm.
   • The downgrade will take effect after the current billing cycle ends.

On the Web (via iCloud.com):

1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in.
   • Use your Apple ID credentials to log in.
2. Access Account Settings.
   • Click on your name or account settings.
3. Manage Storage Plan.
   • Search for the option to manage your iCloud storage plan.
4. Select Downgrade:
   • Choose a lower-tier plan.
5. Confirm the Downgrade:
   • The changes will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

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Alternatives To iCloud Subscription?

If you have decided to cancel iCloud because of service issues, there are many alternatives that also provide cloud storage or additional services. The options have their own set of features, pricing, and benefits. Below are some listed for you;

1. Microsoft OneDrive

• Features: OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service which integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). It offers excellent collaboration tools, specifically for the users of Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Pricing: OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage and their paid plans start at $1.99 per month for 100 GB. Microsoft 365 plans also have a plan that offers 1 TB of OneDrive storage and starts at $6.99 per month.
• Benefits: Offers access to the full suite of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with certain plans.

2. Dropbox

• Features: Dropbox is also a widely-used cloud storage service known for its simplicity and ease of use. It offers strong file synchronization along with sharing capabilities, which makes it popular among professionals and teams.
• Pricing: Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage and their paid plans start at $9.99 per month for 2 TB (with the Dropbox Plus plan).
• Benefits: Advanced collaboration tools, file recovery, and sharing options. Integrates with a wide range of third-party applications.

3. Amazon Drive

• Features: Amazon Drive offers cloud storage which primarily targets Amazon Prime members which includes photo storage and integrates with other Amazon services.
• Pricing: Amazon Prime members get unlimited photo storage and 5 GB for videos and files and Non-Prime members can purchase plans which start at $1.99 per month for 100 GB.
• Benefits: Unlimited photo storage for Prime members, integration with Amazon Photos, and Alexa compatibility.

While choosing an alternative to iCloud, understand your specific needs, such as storage capacity, integration with other tools, privacy, and cost. All the above-listed services offer unique features and benefits that cater to varying user needs.

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Conclusion

When you are clear with what you need and what exactly the storage size that you believe suits your needs, then you can always form an informed decision. Check with various other options and know their tiers and plans and at what prices they are offering what new and different features. Another important factor while subscribing to any cloud storage is to consider your device OS and the convenience of automatically syncing and backing up your data so that in case of any damage to your device, your data can still remain safe and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions