How to Delete iPhone Backup to Free Up Space? (iTunes & iCloud)

To prevent sudden data loss, most iPhone users will choose to back up important files just in case. However, sometimes you may need to delete a backup from your iPhone. For example, when you want to free up more iCloud space for new downloads, or when you plan to sell your old iPhone for a new one. So, how do you delete old backups on your iPhone? Here we introduce how to delete iPhone backups from iTunes and iCloud. Let's learn together.

Part 1. How to Delete Old iPhone Backups from iCloud

If you back up your iPhone to iCloud, how do you delete backup for iPhone from iCloud? This part introduces how to delete iPhone backup on PC/Mac from iCloud. You can follow the guide below to do this easily.

1.1 How to Delete Backup from iCloud on iPhone

If you want to delete iCloud backups from your iPhone directly, you can do this via the Settings app. Below is the step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap the Apple ID on the top and then choose "iCloud".

Step 3. Negative to "Manage Storage" and then choose the "Backups" section.

Step 4. Select the backup file you want to delete and tap the "Delete Backup" option.

Step 5. Once done, click "Turn Off & Delete" to confirm.

1.2 How to Delete iPhone Backup on PC from iCloud

If you want to remove iPhone backup from PC from iCloud, you can do this by using iCloud for Windows app. Here is how to do it:

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

Step 2. Launch the installed software and log in using your Apple ID credentials.

Step 3. Navigate to the "Storage" section and then select "Backups" from the menu.

Step 4. Choose the backups you wish to remove and click on the "Delete" option.

Step 5. Confirm the deletion when prompted to complete the process. (Can't delete iCloud backup?)

1.3 How to Erase iPhone Backup on Mac from iCloud

For Mac users, you can use the the iCloud option in System Preferences to clear iPhone backups without downloading any additional software. To do this, Follow the steps below:

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

Step 2. Select your Apple ID, then navigate to "iCloud", and click on the "Manage" option.

Step 3. Within the "Manage" section, locate and click on "Backups". Choose the specific backup file you wish to remove, then click the "Delete" button to confirm the action.

Learn More: What Happens When I Delete iCloud Backup? Find the Answer Here!

Part 2. How to Delete iPhone Backup from iTunes

Now we know how to delete old iPhone backups from iCloud. Then, if you use iTunes to back up your iPhone to your computer, how to do it? This part will provide you with the answers.

2.1 How to Clear iPhone Backups via iTunes

You can erase iPhone backup directly using the iTunes app. Here is how to delete iPhone backup via iTunes:

Step 1. Open the iTunes app on your computer.

Step 2. For Windows, go to "Edit" > "Preferences" > "Devices", while for Mac, go to "Preferences" > "Devices".

Step 3. Select the outdated backups you want to remove.

Step 4. Confirm the deletion by choosing "Delete Backup".

2.2 How to Remove Old iPhone Backups via Finder

For Mac users running macOS Catalina or later versions, you can delete iPhone backups through Finder. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Launch Finder on your Mac.

Step 2. Select your iOS device and navigate to "Manage Backups".

Step 3. Choose the backup file you wish to remove.

Step 4. Subsequently, click on "Delete Backup" and then confirm by tapping "Delete".

2.3 How to Delete a Backup on iPhone Manually

You can, of course, delete iPhone backup from PC/Mac manually. Just find the iTunes backup folder and pick out the backup file you want to delete on your Windows or Mac computer.

For Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

For Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Part 3. How to Permanently Delete iPhone Data

We have discussed how to delete iPhone backup; if you want to permanently delete iPhone data, what should you do? Here is a powerful software I want to introduce to you - Coolmuster iOS Eraser. It is a reliable software that can help you completely erase all types of data on your iOS device. The deleted files are unrecoverable even if you use the best iPhone data recovery software. What's more, you can choose the level of security that suits your needs.

Key features of Coolmuster iOS Eraser:

• Erase all data from your iOS device without restoration, including private data, system settings, deleted files, etc.
• Permanently delete contacts, messages, call logs, music, videos, and more.
• Three levels of security for erasure are provided: Low level, Medium level, and High level.
• Utilize a 100% read-only mode for safe iOS data erasure.
• Compatible with all generations of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Free Download for PC

It is super easy to operate; just do it as follows:

In a Nutshell

All in all, knowing how to delete iPhone backups will help you manage your iPhone's backup files. Whether you back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes, this guide has provided methods to delete them. Besides, the Coolmuster iOS Eraser is a tool you should think about if you want to clean your device completely. It can help you get rid of all of your info permanently and protect your privacy.

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