How to Download Large Files from iCloud

Easily Free up Valuable iCloud Storage

June 20, 2025 by cryan.com

Running out of iCloud space before a trip? Here’s a simple method to find and move your largest files off iCloud and onto your computer, so you can make room for more memories.

Why I Had to Clean Up iCloud

I recently hit the 2 TB limit on my iCloud storage. With a trip coming up, I needed to offload some files so I could back up new photos and videos while away. The solution? Identify and download the largest files - especially 4K church recordings - and remove them from iCloud.

Step 1: Identify Large Files in iCloud

Apple makes it fairly easy to find what's eating up your iCloud space:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top.
3. Go to iCloud > Photos.
4. Tap Manage Storage.
5. Select Review Your Photos & Videos, then click Get Started.
6. Videos are sorted by the largest files at the top.

Step 2: Tag Files You Want to Download

Once I found the large video files, I took the following approach to tag them for download:

• Click on each file.
• Add a caption to each video with a unique keyword like delete. The text box is directly under the preview image. Don't forget to save.

This makes it easy to search and group these files later.

Step 3: Move Tagged Files into an Album

Go to the Photos app:

• Use the search bar to find files with the keyword you used (e.g., delete).
• Select all the results and move them into a new album. I named mine To Download.

Step 4: Use iCloud.com to Download Files

On your computer:

1. Visit iCloud.com and log in.
2. Click on Photos.
3. Open the album you just created.
4. Select all the media and click the download icon to save them to your computer.

Step 5: Delete Files to Free Up iCloud Space

After confirming the files were successfully saved to your computer, you can safely delete them from iCloud. Either:

• Delete them from the Photos app on your iPhone
• Or delete them directly in iCloud.com

Remember to empty the "Recently Deleted" folder to reclaim the space.

Conclusion

This method helped me quickly find and download large files that were clogging up my iCloud account. It’s a clean, efficient process that doesn't require third-party apps. Whether you're prepping for a trip or just doing some digital spring cleaning, this workflow can help you stay organized and free up critical space.

Helpful Code Snippet: Search for Tagged Files in iOS

1. Open Photos
2. Tap Search
3. Type the tag word you added in captions (e.g., delete)
4. Select all matching media
5. Move to a new album