How to Delete an Apple iCloud Storage Account on a Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

Deleting an iCloud storage account entirely is impossible, as it’s fundamentally tied to your Apple ID. However, if your goal is to stop using iCloud and effectively remove its data from your devices, or if you wish to transition to a new Apple ID, this guide will show you precisely how to manage your iCloud storage and disassociate it from your computer. We’ll cover deactivating iCloud services, deleting data, and ultimately, achieving the effect of removing the iCloud account from your system.

Deactivating iCloud Services on Your Computer

While you can’t truly delete your iCloud account from Apple, you can certainly stop using it on your computer and remove your data. This is often the practical solution most users are looking for.

Steps for macOS

1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
2. Access iCloud Settings: Click on Apple ID. (If you’re using an older version of macOS, you may see an iCloud icon directly).
3. Sign Out: In the Apple ID pane, select Overview in the left-hand sidebar. Then, click the Sign Out button.
4. Choose Data Retention Options: A dialog box will appear, asking if you want to keep a copy of your iCloud data on your Mac. This includes Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, and Safari bookmarks. Choose wisely based on your needs. If you plan to switch to another service, keeping a local copy is recommended. Selecting “Keep a Copy” will download this data to your computer.
5. Complete the Sign-Out Process: You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password to confirm you wish to sign out. Once you’ve entered it, click Continue.

Steps for Windows

1. Open iCloud for Windows: Launch the iCloud for Windows application. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to download it from the Microsoft Store.
2. Sign Out: In the iCloud for Windows window, click the Sign Out button.
3. Choose Data Retention Options: Similar to macOS, you’ll be asked about keeping copies of your iCloud data on your PC. Decide if you want to retain Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks locally. Selecting “Keep a Copy” is advisable if you plan to use this data elsewhere.
4. Confirm Sign Out: Confirm your decision to sign out when prompted.

Deleting Data Stored in iCloud

Simply signing out doesn’t delete the data stored on iCloud servers. If you want to remove specific types of data, you’ll need to do so through the iCloud website or on a device still connected to iCloud.

Deleting Data via iCloud.com

1. Access iCloud.com: Open a web browser and go to www.icloud.com.
2. Sign In: Sign in with your Apple ID and password. You may need to complete two-factor authentication.
3. Select Data to Delete: Click on the specific app or service you want to manage (e.g., Photos, Contacts, iCloud Drive).
4. Delete Data: Select the items you wish to delete and use the delete function within the app. For example, in Photos, you can select multiple images and click the trash can icon. In iCloud Drive, you can select files or folders and click the trash can icon. Deleted items often go to a Recently Deleted folder, which you’ll need to empty to permanently remove the data.
5. Empty Recently Deleted: For Photos and other applicable apps, go to the Recently Deleted album/folder and permanently delete the items there. This ensures they’re completely removed from iCloud.

Important Considerations

• Data Syncing: Remember that deleting data from one device or iCloud.com will sync across all devices connected to that same iCloud account, unless those devices are signed out.
• Backups: If you have iCloud backups you wish to remove, you can manage them through your iPhone or iPad’s settings. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.

Switching to a New Apple ID

If your goal is to completely divorce yourself from your current Apple ID and associated iCloud account, you’ll need to create a new Apple ID.

1. Create a New Apple ID: Go to appleid.apple.com and click “Create Your Apple ID“. Follow the prompts, providing a new email address and setting up a new password.
2. Sign Out of Your Old Apple ID: Follow the steps outlined earlier to sign out of your old Apple ID on all your devices. Be sure to choose appropriate data retention options.
3. Sign In with Your New Apple ID: Sign in to your devices and iCloud services with your new Apple ID.
4. Transfer Data (If Needed): Manually transfer any data you saved locally from your old Apple ID account to your new one, or import it into alternative services (like Google Contacts, etc.).
5. Update Subscriptions: Update any subscriptions (Apple Music, iCloud+, etc.) to use your new Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions users have about managing and “deleting” their iCloud accounts.

1. Can I completely delete my Apple ID and iCloud account?

No, you cannot completely delete your Apple ID and associated iCloud account through the user interface. Deleting an Apple ID is a complex process handled directly by Apple, and it involves contacting Apple Support and going through a verification process. It’s often not necessary for most users, as signing out and removing data achieves the desired outcome. Deleting your Apple ID is irreversible and will prevent you from accessing any Apple services.

2. What happens when I sign out of iCloud on my computer?

Signing out of iCloud on your computer removes your iCloud data from that specific device. You’ll be asked if you want to keep a copy of certain data locally. Your data will still exist on iCloud servers and on any other devices signed in to your iCloud account, unless you delete it from iCloud itself.

3. How do I free up storage on iCloud?

You can free up iCloud storage by deleting unnecessary files and data, such as old photos, videos, documents, and backups. You can also upgrade to a larger iCloud storage plan. Manage your storage usage by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage on your iPhone or iPad, or by visiting iCloud.com.

4. Will deleting photos from iCloud delete them from my iPhone?

Yes, if your iCloud Photos is enabled, deleting photos from iCloud will delete them from all devices connected to that iCloud account, including your iPhone. Make sure you understand the syncing behavior before deleting any data.

5. How do I stop iCloud from syncing my data?

To stop iCloud from syncing specific types of data, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your iPhone or iPad. Then, toggle off the switches for the apps or services you don’t want to sync (e.g., Contacts, Calendars, Photos).

6. Can I have multiple iCloud accounts on one computer?

You can only be signed in to one iCloud account at a time on your computer. However, you can switch between accounts by signing out of the current one and signing in with another.

7. What is iCloud Drive, and how do I manage it?

iCloud Drive is Apple’s cloud storage service for files. You can access and manage your iCloud Drive files through the Finder on macOS or through the iCloud Drive app on Windows. You can also access it on iCloud.com.

8. How do I cancel my iCloud+ subscription?

You can cancel your iCloud+ subscription through your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions. Select your iCloud+ subscription and then tap Cancel Subscription.

9. What happens to my iCloud data if I forget my Apple ID password?

If you forget your Apple ID password, you can reset it through Apple’s account recovery process. Visit iforgot.apple.com and follow the instructions. Ensure you have two-factor authentication enabled and a recovery key setup for quicker access.

10. How do I back up my data before deleting it from iCloud?

Before deleting data from iCloud, you can download it to your computer or another external storage device. For photos and videos, use iCloud.com to download them. For contacts, calendars, and other data, you can export them from iCloud.com or from your devices. For iCloud Drive data, simply copy the files to a local folder.

11. What’s the difference between signing out of iCloud and turning off iCloud services?

Signing out of iCloud completely disconnects your computer from your iCloud account. Turning off iCloud services only stops specific data types from syncing but keeps you signed in to iCloud.

12. How can I permanently delete iCloud backups?

To permanently delete iCloud backups, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups on your iPhone or iPad. Select the backup you want to delete and tap Delete Backup. Note this cannot be undone. Ensure you are no longer using the backups before doing this to avoid future data loss.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your iCloud storage on your computer and ensure your data is handled according to your preferences. While a true deletion of your iCloud account isn’t readily available, these methods offer practical solutions for most users.