iCloud Storage Full (Even After Deleting Photos)

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Empty Recently Deleted

   Copy steps
   1. Photos > Albums > Utilities > Recently Deleted
   2. Unlock with Face ID, tap Select > Delete All
   3. Do the same in Files > Recently Deleted for iCloud Drive
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. See what actually uses the space

   Copy steps
   1. Settings > your name > iCloud > Storage (Manage Account Storage)
   2. Sort through the list: Backups, Photos, Messages, Drive, Mail
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Delete old device backups

   Copy steps
   1. In the storage screen tap Backups
   2. Select any device you no longer use > Delete Backup
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Clear Messages and Drive

   Copy steps
   1. Settings > your name > iCloud > Storage > Messages > review large attachments
   2. Files app > iCloud Drive: sort by size and delete large files you don't need
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. Check family usage, then wait or upgrade

   Copy steps
   1. With Family Sharing, the storage screen shows each member's usage
   2. Restart the device; the readout can take hours to update
   3. If you still need more, a 200GB plan is $2.99/month in the US
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

'iCloud Storage Is Full' keeps popping up, backups and photo uploads stop, iCloud Mail may stop receiving, and the storage bar barely moves after you delete things.

Why it happens

• Recently Deleted album still counts for 30 days
• Old backups of previous iPhones and iPads
• Messages attachments stored in iCloud
• Large files in iCloud Drive
• Family Sharing members using the shared pool
• Storage readout not refreshed yet

This guide also covers

• icloud storage full
• icloud storage full after deleting photos
• why is my icloud storage full
• icloud storage still full
• how to free up icloud storage

The same problem in other apps

All storage, upload & download guides →

• Dropbox Says Storage Is Full But It Isn't (Dropbox)

Other iCloud errors

• iCloud Photos Not Syncing
• iCloud Backup Failed: 'Last Backup Could Not Be Completed'
• iCloud Drive Stuck on 'Waiting to Upload' (Mac)
• iCloud for Windows Not Syncing
• iCloud Mail Not Working or Not Receiving Emails
• iCloud 'Verification Failed: Error Connecting to Apple Account Server'
• iPhone Keeps Asking for iCloud / Apple Account Password
• 'Unable to Load Photo' iCloud Error on iPhone