Article
Deleting App Data from iCloud
By Jesse Hollington
Social Media & Software Editor, iLoungeGoogle+
Published: Monday, July 30, 2012
Articles Categories: Ask iLounge, iCloud, iOS
Ask iLounge offers readers the opportunity to get answers to their iPod-, iPhone-, iPad-, iTunes-, or Apple TV-related questions from a member of the iLounge editorial team. We'll answer several questions here each week, and of course, you can always get help with more immediate concerns from the iLounge Discussion Forums. Submit your questions for consideration using our Ask iLounge Submit Form. We reserve the right to edit questions for grammar, spelling, and length.
Q: Is it possible to permanently delete some apps from iCloud which I have already uninstalled and hidden from my iPhone 4S? I do not intend to use them again and I don’t want their data cluttering up iCloud.
- Damian
A: As you’ve no doubt noticed, removing an application from your device that stores data in iCloud does not automatically remove that application’s data from iCloud or your device. This is at least partly due to the fact that iOS doesn’t currently track which other devices may have the application installed and be using the same iCloud data; just because you don’t want a given application on your iPhone doesn’t necessarily mean that you would delete it from your iPad, for example. This feature also allows you to easily reinstall the application in the future without losing any of your data.
The good news is that you can clean out iCloud application data manually, both for deleted apps and those apps still on your device. Simply go into the Settings app and select iCloud, Storage and Backup and then the Manage Storage option. This will show a list of your device backups and applications currently storing data in iCloud—you may need to scroll down to see the “Documents & Data” section.

From here you can select any of the application’s on your device, which will show a detailed list of the data stored in iCloud for that particular application. Tapping the Edit button in the top-right corner will allow you to remove individual items or delete all of the iCloud data for that application in a single step.
Note that this will remove the data both from your device and from iCloud itself, which will in turn propagate to other iOS devices sharing the same iCloud account. Note that there is also no way to recover this data once it has been removed from iCloud, and you should ensure that you are in fact no longer using the application on any of your iOS devices before taking this step.
|
The most asked question at iLounge.com: |
Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more: The Complete Guide to iPod, Apple TV and iPhone Video Formats |
Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more: The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Mac) |
Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more: The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Win) |
|
|
|
|
|
Find more answers in the latest publications in our Library. Free downloads developed by the editors of iLounge!
Ask iLounge Archives:
5-22-13: iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage
5-21-13: Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode
5-17-13: Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
5-16-13: Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
5-15-13: Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
Related Stories
- iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage
- Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple WWDC Keynote set for June 10
- Apps: Foursquare 6.2, Hyper Breaker Turbo, Pandora 4.3 + Shazam 6.0
- Apple patent application details interactive AirPlay, TV
- Report: iWatch pushed to late 2014?
- Griffin releases iPhone 5 Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case
- OtterBox acquires LifeProof
- LifeProof debuts Frē case for iPad mini
- Logitech debuts Wired Keyboard for iPad
- New Apple online store design alters focus, hides deals
- Apps: ABC Aquarium, Disney Jr. Appisodes, Pinterest 2.4 + Pocket Informant Pro 3.0
Recent Reviews
- C4 Electronics Dolry HiFi Stone 30-Pin AirPlay Adapter
- Boombotix Boombot Rex Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Nuu Splash Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Scosche boomBottle Weatherproof Sport Wireless Speaker
- HMDX Jam Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband
- Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100 + 200 Bluetooth + AirPlay Wireless Speakers
- Mophie Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5
- Ultimate Ears UE Boom
- Trü Protection Trü-Fit Anti-Glare Film Set
Recent Articles
- iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage
- Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox










