Deleting photos from iCloud is a straightforward process that can help you manage your iCloud storage more efficiently. If you find yourself with a plethora of photos that you no longer need or want to free up some space on your iCloud account, follow these steps to delete photos off iCloud:
Step 1: Log in to iCloud.com
Open any web browser and navigate to iCloud.com. Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to your iCloud account. You may need to authenticate your identity using two-factor authentication for added security.
Step 2: Access Your Photos
Once you have successfully signed in to iCloud.com, click on the “Photos” icon to access your iCloud Photo Library. This will display all the photos and videos synced to your iCloud account.
Step 3: Select the Photos
To delete photos from your iCloud account, hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS) on your keyboard. While holding down the key, click on the photos that you want to delete. This will allow you to select multiple photos at once.
Step 4: Delete the Photos
After selecting the photos you wish to remove, look for the trash can icon located at the top right corner of the page. Click on the trash can icon to delete the selected photos from your iCloud Photo Library.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
A confirmation prompt will appear to confirm that you want to delete the selected photos. Click on “Delete” to confirm and permanently remove the photos from your iCloud account. Once deleted, the photos will no longer be available in your iCloud Photo Library.
Step 6: Check Deleted Photos Album
Deleted photos are moved to the “Recently Deleted” album in your iCloud Photo Library. These photos will remain in this album for up to 40 days before being permanently deleted. You can recover any accidentally deleted photos from this album within the 40-day window.
Step 7: Empty the Recently Deleted Album
If you want to free up storage space immediately, you can empty the “Recently Deleted” album. To do this, go to the album, click on “Select” in the upper right corner, then choose “Delete All” to permanently delete all the photos in the album.
Step 8: Manage Storage Space
Regularly deleting unwanted photos and videos from your iCloud account is essential for managing storage space effectively. By removing unnecessary items, you can ensure that you have enough space for new photos and files.
Step 9: Keep Your iCloud Account Organized
Organizing your photos and videos into albums can help you locate and delete specific items more efficiently. Consider creating albums for different categories or events to keep your iCloud Photo Library well-organized.
Step 10: Use iCloud Settings on Your Device
Additionally, you can manage your iCloud storage directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Go to the Settings app on your device, tap on your name, select iCloud, then Manage Storage. From here, you can view and delete photos, videos, and other items stored in iCloud.
Step 11: Enable Optimize Storage
If you have limited storage space on your device, consider enabling the Optimize Storage feature for photos on your iPhone or iPad. This feature will automatically store full-resolution photos in iCloud while keeping optimized versions on your device to save storage space.
Step 12: Enjoy a Clutter-Free iCloud Experience
By following these steps and best practices for managing your iCloud Photo Library, you can enjoy a clutter-free and well-organized experience. Regularly deleting unwanted photos and videos will help you maintain optimal storage space and ensure that your iCloud account stays organized.
