Can't Downgrade iCloud Storage? Here Are the Common Causes and Fixes

Trying to downgrade your iCloud storage plan should be a simple process, but many users run into a frustrating roadblock: the option to select a smaller plan is grayed out or simply won't work. If you're trying to reduce your monthly iCloud bill but can't seem to downgrade, there's usually one primary reason. This guide will explain the most common cause for this issue and walk you through the exact steps to fix it.

The Problem: The Downgrade Option is Unavailable

You go to your iCloud settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, navigate to "Manage Account Storage," and then "Change Storage Plan." You see the list of plans, including the free 5GB option, but when you try to select it, you get an error message or the button is unresponsive. The system won't let you choose a smaller plan, and it's not clear why.

The #1 Cause: You Are Using More Storage Than the Plan You're Downgrading To

This is, by far, the most common reason for this issue. Apple will not allow you to switch to a smaller storage plan if your current iCloud data usage exceeds the capacity of that new plan.

For example: If you are currently paying for the 200GB plan but you are actively using 75GB of storage, the system will not let you downgrade to the 50GB plan or the free 5GB plan. From Apple's perspective, allowing the downgrade would mean they have nowhere to store your excess 25GB of data, so they block the action entirely.

The Solution: Reduce Your iCloud Storage Usage

To fix this, you must reduce your total iCloud storage usage to be less than the limit of the plan you want to switch to . If you want to downgrade to the free 5GB plan, you must get your total iCloud usage below 5GB. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing just that.

Step 1: Analyze Your Current iCloud Storage

First, you need to see what's taking up all the space. On your iPhone or iPad:

Go to Settings .
Tap on your name at the top.
Tap on iCloud .
You will see a colorful bar graph showing your total storage and a breakdown by category. The most common culprits are iCloud Photos and iCloud Backups .

Step 2: The Fix - Clearing Out Large Files

You need to tackle the biggest space-hogs first.

Option A: Manage iCloud Photos (Usually the Biggest Offender)

If the "Photos" category is large, this is your primary target.

Delete Unwanted Photos and Videos: Go into your Photos app and start deleting old screenshots, blurry photos, and long videos you no longer need. Remember to go to the "Recently Deleted" album and permanently delete them from there as well.
Turn Off iCloud Photos (and Download Your Photos): This is the most drastic but effective method. If you turn off iCloud Photos, it will stop syncing your library. However, you must first download your photos to a computer or an external hard drive, otherwise you risk losing them.
- On a Mac, open the Photos app, go to Preferences > iCloud, and select "Download Originals to this Mac."
- On a PC, you can use the iCloud for Windows app or go to iCloud.com to download your photos.
Once your photos are safely backed up elsewhere, you can go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Photos and select "Sync this iPhone" to off. You will then be prompted to delete the photos from iCloud.

Option B: Manage iCloud Backups

Old device backups can take up a huge amount of space.

Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups .
You may see backups for old iPhones or iPads you no longer own. Tap on an old backup and select "Delete & Turn Off Backup." This can free up gigabytes of space instantly.

Option C: Manage iCloud Drive

This is where files from your Mac's Desktop and Documents folders might be stored.

Go to the Files app on your iPhone or iPad, or the iCloud Drive folder on your Mac.
Look for large files (like ZIP archives or video files) that you no longer need to store in the cloud and delete them.

Step 3: Attempt the Downgrade Again

Once you have successfully reduced your iCloud storage usage to below the threshold of your desired plan (e.g., under 5GB for the free plan), go back to the storage plan settings.

Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Change Storage Plan .
Tap on "Downgrade Options" and enter your Apple ID password.
You should now be able to select the free 5GB plan or any other plan that is larger than your current usage.

Your plan will be officially downgraded at the end of your current billing cycle.

Another Possible Cause: You're Part of a Family Sharing Plan

If you are part of an Apple Family Sharing group and the family organizer is paying for the storage plan, you cannot change the plan yourself. Only the family organizer can modify the shared iCloud storage plan.

Conclusion: It's All About the Data

The inability to downgrade your iCloud storage is not a bug; it's a feature designed to prevent data loss. The system will not let you select a smaller plan until you have made room for your data to fit within that new, lower limit. By analyzing your storage, deleting old backups, and, most importantly, managing your iCloud Photo library, you can clear the necessary space, successfully downgrade your plan, and lower your monthly bill.

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