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[Solved] What to Do When You Can't Delete iCloud Backup?

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iCloud is a cloud service provided by Apple for users to sync and back up their data to prevent data loss. However, as time goes on, you will find there are many old and outdated iCloud backups stored on your iPhone. At this moment, you may want to delete these old backups and create a new backup. Then, how do you delete these old iCloud backups? What to do if you find you can't delete iCloud backup? Check this guide, and you will find the answer.

cant delete icloud backup

 

Part 1. How to Delete iCloud Backup on iPhone/iPad

First of all, let's see how to delete the old iCloud backups on your iPhone and iPad. The steps are simple, just as below:

Step 1. Navigate to the "Settings" on your iOS device. From there, select your name and "iCloud".

Step 2. Once in iCloud settings, choose "Manage Storage", then locate and tap on "Backups".

Step 3. Select the device's name for which you wish to delete a backup or an old backup you no longer need.

Step 4. Finally, at the bottom, you'll find the option to "Delete Backup". Tap on it, then confirm by selecting "Turn Off & Delete".

how to delete icloud backup on iphone

If you do like this, but iCloud cannot delete backup. Why this happened? Go on to find the reason and solutions.

Tips: You May want to know what will happen if you delete an iCloud backup

Part 2. Why Can't I Delete My Old iCloud Backup?

Sometimes, you cannot delete backup from iCloud although you follow the right steps. There are various reasons, such as:

  • Other devices are using or synchronizing this backup.
  • The backup is in a locked state, such as for a period of time after a restore.
  • Unstable or restricted network connection.
  • iOS system or iCloud server is experiencing a malfunction (iCloud backup failed?).
  • iCloud account login or permission issues.

Part 3. How to Fix Can't Delete iCloud Backup

After we know why this backup cannot be deleted at this time, it's time to take measures to solve this problem. Here are some solutions you can try.

Fix 1. Check the Internet Connection

First, make sure that you connect to a stable network. iCloud relies on the network connection. If your network is unstable, you can't delete iCloud backup easily and successfully.

Fix 2. Restart iPhone

You can also try to restart your iPhone to fix the iCloud cannot delete backup issue. This way, you can solve some temporary software issues. Just press and hold the power button on the device, swipe to power off, and then turn it on again. Once done, try to delete iCloud backups again.

restart iphone to fix icloud cannot delete backup

Fix 3. Update iOS Version

Sometimes, the outdated iOS version may cause this backup cannot be deleted at this time. Therefore, make sure you run the latest iOS version to fix this issue. To do this, just go to "Setting" > "General" > "Software Update" to see if there is an update. If yes, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest iOS version. (iPhone software update failed?)

update ios to fix cannot delete backup from icloud

Fix 4. Resign in the iCloud Account

Another reason that led to iCloud cannot delete backup is the iCloud account issue. You can sign out and sign in again to see if this issue is solved. To do this, go to "Settings" > "iCloud" > "Sign Out". After signing out, wait a moment and sign in again. After that, delete the iCloud backup once more to see if this can be done successfully.

resign in the icloud account to fix this backup cannot be deleted at this time

Fix 5. Delete iCloud Backup on Computer

Of course. If you cannot delete backup from iCloud on your iPhone or iPad, you can try to delete them from other devices, such as the computer to see if this problem is solved. To do this, follow the steps below:

To Delete iCloud Backups on Mac:

Step 1. Click on the Apple icon and select "System Preferences" on your Mac.

Step 2. Next, click on your Apple ID, then select "iCloud", followed by the "Manage" option.

Step 3. In the iCloud management window, choose the "Backups" option. Select the backup file you wish to remove, then click the "Delete" button to confirm the action.

how to delete icloud backup on mac

To Delete iCloud Backups on Windows PC:

Step 1. Visit Apple's official website to download the iCloud for Windows application onto your PC.

Step 2. Launch the software and sign in using your Apple ID.

Step 3. Navigate to "Storage" > "Backups" and choose the backups you wish to remove.

how to delete icloud backup on windows pc

Step 4. Lastly, click on "Delete" and confirm to complete the deletion process.

Fix 6. Contact Apple Support

If you have tried all the solutions mentioned above but failed, the last method to resolve this problem is by contacting Apple Support for help. They can provide further guidance and assist in resolving your issue.

Bonus: Erase All Data from iPhone/iPad with Ease [Unrecoverable]

What to do if you want to delete everything on your iPhone/iPad for sell? Is there a way to permanently delete them, and they can never be recoverable? This reminds me of this software - Coolmuster iOS Eraser. It is a professional iOS eraser software that can help you permanently remove everything from your iOS devices and can't be recovered by any data recovery software to prevent privacy leaks. What's more, it provides three eraser modes. You can choose the mode according to your preference.

Top features of Coolmuster iOS Eraser:

  • One-click to erase everything on your iOS device without restoration.
  • Offer three security levels for erasure: Low level, Medium level, and High level.
  • Permanently delete contacts, SMS, call logs, and so on.
  • Safely erase iOS data with a 100% read-only mode.
  • Compatible with all generations of iPhone/iPad.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this software:

01Download and launch this software. Then, connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable. Trust your device if prompted. After a successful connection, you will see the main interface as below.

the main interface of ios eraser

02Click the "Erase" button on the interface and then choose the security level you want to use. Once selected, click "OK" to confirm.

choose security level

03Type "delete" into the blank and click the "Erase" button. After that, click "OK" when it pops up.

start to erase data

04After scanning, the software will start to erase your iPhone/iPad immediately. Once done, the software will overwrite your iPhone immediately. When the whole process is complete, you can start to set up your iPhone now.

overwrite phone data

Conclusion

When you can't delete iCloud backup, you don't need to worry anymore. You can easily resolve this problem after you finish reading this guide. However, if you want to permanently delete files from your iPhone/ iPad to sell or for other reasons and want to protect your privacy, you can try Coolmuster iOS Eraser.

Related Articles:

[SOLVED] iCloud Backup Taking Forever? 8 Easy Ways Can Fix It

Why Is iCloud Backup Stuck? How to Solve iCloud Backup Not Working?

The Last Backup Could Not Be Completed [Reasons & Solutions]

[Full Guide] How to Delete Messages from iCloud But Not iPhone?

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