Manage iCloud Storage Plans on macOS 13

Managing your iCloud storage on macOS 13 Ventura allows you to monitor data usage, upgrade to an iCloud+ plan for more space, or downgrade your subscription to reduce monthly costs. Because macOS 13 replaced the traditional System Preferences with System Settings, the navigation has changed from previous macOS versions. This guide provides direct, step-by-step instructions to view your current usage, upgrade or downgrade your iCloud storage tier, and manage stored data directly from your Mac.

How to Access iCloud Storage Settings

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Click your Apple ID name at the very top of the sidebar on the left.
  4. Click iCloud in the right-hand panel.
  5. Click the Manage… button next to the storage breakdown bar at the top (or select Account Storage).

Upgrading Your iCloud+ Storage Plan

If you need more space for backups, photos, and files, you can upgrade your plan at any time:

  1. In the iCloud storage management window, click Change Storage Plan (or Buy More Storage).
  2. Choose your preferred storage tier (e.g., 50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB).
  3. Click Next or Upgrade to iCloud+.
  4. Enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID to confirm the purchase.
  5. The additional storage becomes available immediately, and your payment method on file will be billed monthly.

Downgrading or Canceling an iCloud+ Plan

If you are paying for more storage than you need, you can lower your tier or return to the free 5 GB plan:

  1. Navigate to the iCloud storage management window using the steps above.
  2. Click Change Storage Plan.
  3. Click Downgrade Options at the bottom of the window.
  4. Enter your Apple ID password and click Manage.
  5. Select a lower tier, or choose the Free 5 GB plan to cancel your subscription entirely.
  6. Click Done.

Note: The downgrade takes effect at the end of your current monthly billing cycle. Ensure your total stored data does not exceed the new limit before the billing period ends to prevent syncing interruptions.

Freeing Up iCloud Space Directly on macOS 13

Instead of paying for more storage, you can delete unnecessary data stored by specific apps:

  1. Open System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage….
  2. Select an application from the list on the left (such as Photos, Backups, or Mail).
  3. Review the data and click Delete from iCloud… (or Turn Off and Delete) to clear stored files associated with that specific service.