To reduce an iPhone’s iCloud Backup, exclude app data you can safely do without in the backup, then check Next Backup Size. Before confirming an app exclusion, note that Apple says it removes that app’s existing information from iCloud Backup. First check whether the space problem is actually an old device backup or other iCloud content: backup size and total iCloud storage use are not the same thing.
Exclude apps you do not need in the backup
App exclusions affect backup contents, not necessarily the app or its data on the iPhone. But the consequence for the iCloud copy is significant: Apple says that when you confirm Turn Off, iCloud Backup is disabled for that app and all of its information is removed from iCloud. Make sure you can afford to lose that backup data, or that the information is safely synced or saved elsewhere, before proceeding. Some apps are always backed up and cannot be turned off.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Tap iCloud, then Storage or Manage Account Storage.
- Tap Backups, then choose the iPhone you are using. Depending on the iOS version, you may instead see iCloud Backup and then This iPhone.
- Review the apps and their backup data. Turn off only the apps whose information you are willing to remove from iCloud Backup, then confirm.
Apple’s interface labels can vary by software version and localization. If you do not see an exact label, look for the current iPhone under the iCloud backup controls.
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iCloud Backup contains device information that is not already synced to iCloud. That means the backup’s size is only one part of your overall iCloud storage use.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Photos: If iCloud Photos is off, your Photos library may be included in the device backup. If it is on, photos and videos sync to iCloud Photos rather than being included in the daily device backup. Apple suggests saving photos and videos to a computer before removing them from the backup if you want to preserve them elsewhere.
- Messages: When Messages in iCloud is on, messages sync separately and are not in the daily device backup. If it is off, messages may be included in the backup.
- iCloud Drive: Data an app stores in iCloud Drive is stored there rather than in the device backup. App data may still be part of the device backup.
- Older devices: Under Backups, check for devices you no longer use. Delete an old backup only if you are sure you no longer need it as a restore point. Deleting the current iPhone’s backup also disables iCloud Backup for that device; you can turn it on again in iCloud settings.
Apple says backups remain in iCloud for 180 days after iCloud Backup is turned off or no longer used. That is not a reason to delete a backup you may still need: once it is removed, it is no longer available as a restore point.
Confirm the next backup will fit
After changing the included apps, return to the current iPhone’s backup details and look for Next Backup Size. Apple notes that the estimate can take a few minutes to calculate. Compare it with the available iCloud storage, not just the total storage capacity shown on your account.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
If the next backup still exceeds available space, review other unneeded backup data or decide whether you need more capacity. Apple describes 5 GB of iCloud storage as included storage; it is an allocation, not a recommended backup size, and plan details can vary by region and change over time. Upgrading iCloud+ adds capacity but does not shrink the backup itself.
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If you want a complete backup but do not have enough iCloud storage, Apple also supports backing up an iPhone to a Mac or PC. That is a separate backup destination and workflow, not a setting that reduces the size of the iCloud copy. Keep a computer backup up to date if you rely on it for recovery.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Apple’s instructions for managing iCloud storage are at Manage your iCloud storage on your Apple device; its explanation of backup contents is in What does iCloud back up?. For an oversized estimate, see Apple’s storage-management guidance and its instructions for checking iCloud storage. Apple’s guidance for computer backups is available at How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
