What happens to my iCloud backups if I downgrade to 5 GB?

Existing backups remain for 180 days after downgrading. If you exceed 5 GB, new backups will stop. Apple will warn you before deleting old backups.

Can I cancel iCloud+ through the web?

Yes. You can manage your iCloud+ subscription at appleid.apple.com by going to Subscriptions > iCloud+, though the process is easiest on an Apple device.

Will cancelling iCloud+ affect my iCloud Private Relay or Hide My Email features?

Yes. iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video are iCloud+ exclusive features. They will stop working when you downgrade to the free 5 GB plan.

How to Cancel iCloud+ (2026)

iCloud+ plans start from $0.99/month. Follow our 5-step guide to cancel your subscription in about 5 minutes — with tips to avoid retention offers.

Updated: March 2026

from $0.99/month

(≈ ZAR 16.55)

EasyYou save $11.88/year by cancelling

Estimated Time:5 minutes

Cancel Method:App

Open Settings on iPhone/iPad (or System Settings on Mac)

On iPhone or iPad, tap your name at the top of Settings. On a Mac, open System Settings and click your Apple ID.

Tap iCloud

Select 'iCloud' from the Apple ID menu to view your storage plan.

Manage iCloud Storage

Tap 'Manage Account Storage' (iOS) or 'Manage' (macOS) to see your current plan.

Change Storage Plan

Tap 'Change Storage Plan', then select 'Downgrade Options' at the bottom of the plan list.

Select Free Plan and Confirm

Choose the free 5 GB plan, then tap 'Downgrade' and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password to confirm.

Retention Tips

Before downgrading, consider that your iPhone backups, photos, and iCloud Drive files may stop syncing once you exceed 5 GB. We have a 50 GB plan for just $0.99/month — the price of a coffee — to keep everything backed up. Would you like to switch to that instead?