How to Downgrade or Cancel iCloud+ and Protect Your Data
Identify the Apple Account, current plan, used storage, and Family Sharing before downgrading or cancelling iCloud+, then copy or remove content that exceeds the future allowance before the billing period ends.
Confirm the Apple Account, plan, and storage before changing iCloud+
Downgrading or cancelling iCloud+ starts with identifying the Apple Account that holds the plan, the current iCloud+ tier, the used storage against the future allowance, any Family Sharing arrangement, and the billing period end date. Apple says the change takes effect after your current subscription billing period has ended, so the time before that point is when you prepare the data. Use Apple's iCloud+ downgrade and cancellation guide for the device steps and Apple's iCloud archive guide for copying content.
Copy or remove content that exceeds the future allowance before it takes effect
Apple advises that before you downgrade or cancel iCloud+, you should download or remove content that exceeds your new storage amount. Once the change takes effect after the billing period, iCloud will not sync or update your information and iCloud backups will not complete until you increase storage or delete information to make space. Copy iCloud Drive files, download photos and videos, export contacts, calendars, and notes, and check Safari bookmarks to a separate location before the billing period ends.
SubsCraft tip: Record your current iCloud+ plan, used storage, and billing period end date in your subscription list so you can track the downgrade or cancellation alongside your other renewals.
Downgrade, cancel, or switch the iCloud+ plan on the correct device
On an iPhone or iPad with iOS 18.4 or later, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, then tap iCloud+ under Active to cancel or see all plans. On iOS 18 through 18.3, open Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, then tap Manage Plan under iCloud+ Features and choose Downgrade Options. On a Mac, open System Settings, click Apple Account, click iCloud, then click Manage Plan. On Windows, open iCloud for Windows, click Manage, then click Change Storage Plan and Downgrade Options. If you pay for both Apple One and an iCloud+ plan, Apple says you can downgrade or cancel the standalone iCloud+ plan and use the iCloud+ plan included in Apple One, though there may be additional steps.
Check Family Sharing before the change
If you share iCloud+ with a family group, the family organiser manages the plan. Downgrading or cancelling affects every family member's storage, not just yours, so confirm who relies on the shared allowance before changing the plan. Each person keeps their default storage of up to 5 GB at no charge after a cancellation, and any content over the new limit stops syncing until space is freed or storage is increased.
Keep downgrade, account deletion, data export, and refund separate
Downgrading or cancelling iCloud+ only changes the storage plan; it is not account deletion, data export, or a refund. Deleting your Apple Account is a separate process with its own consequences. Exporting iCloud data is a manual step you complete before the change. A refund depends on Apple's policy and local law, and Apple says partial refunds are available where required by law and within 14 days of a recent plan change if you contact Apple. Keep each action separate so you do not mistake a plan change for data removal, account closure, or a guaranteed refund.
Confirm the result after the billing period ends
After the billing period ends, return to Settings or System Settings and confirm the new plan or cancelled state is shown. Apple says you should see a blue tick next to your new plan if the downgrade completed. Check that syncing has resumed if you freed enough space, and verify that iCloud+ features such as Hide My Email, Private Relay, and HomeKit Secure Video are no longer available if you moved to the free plan. Save the confirmation and check your next statement to confirm the billing change took effect.
