I've got an old 2015 MacBook Pro - running macOS Monterey 12.7.5. I'm clearing space on my SSD and just noticed that iCloud is using 202GB of space. I'm guessing that these files are on iCloud but there's also a local copy. Is there an easy way to move these files to only be stored in the iCloud?
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Why is iCloud using over 200GB of space?
- Thread starter MalagLagoon
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Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage storage ....will give you a full breakdown, wait for the spinning cog to complete the analysis.
That will show what is on iCloud Drive, but not other things like iCloud Photos, iDevice backups, Family plan usage. As I said above go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage storage ....will give you a full breakdown
I did - but wasn't able to glean why 202GB of "iCloud" space is sitting on my SSD. I don't see anything specific pertaining to that - just all the apps including iCloud. I'm just wondering WHY my iCloud needs 202GB of space on my 1T SSD. That's a lot of space.
I believe the 202GB of iCould space used on my SSD are files that have been uploaded to the iCloud - but simultaneously exist on my SSD. I can see another report of iCloud space used on my SDD by following the below command sequence.
Apple ID > About this Mac > Storage > Manage > iCloud Drive
Apple ID > About this Mac > Storage > Manage > iCloud Drive
iCloud is primarily a sync service, not online storage like, say, Backblaze B2. I would recommend using a different service if you want to store files online and only occasionally need some of them locally. Trying to use iCloud for that is less than ideal.
Apologies I have been misleading you. I was thinking you were trying to find why 202GB was being used on your iCloud, but you are asking why there is a 202GB iCloud Drive item on your local drive.
As someone said above iCloud Drive is basically a sync service so your OP screenshot says you have 202GB iCloud Data on your local drive. As someone says what does Finder say you have locally?
If you want this 202GB to be iCloud only you need to turn on 'Optimise' in the Settings window below. As the note in the window says you may still have full size local files if you have enough space. So if you want to free up space you have to right click > Remove download as second screenshot.