Open Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup, select the device backup, then choose Turn Off and Delete from iCloud. This stops backup for that device.
1
Understand what deleting a backup removes
An iCloud device backup can contain settings and app data not already synchronized through iCloud. Deleting it removes that restore point and cannot be undone. It does not selectively clean temporary files, and it may turn off future iCloud Backup for the selected device.
2
Identify the correct device backup
Open Settings > your name > iCloud and review storage or backup controls. Select iCloud Backup or Manage Account Storage > Backups, depending on the displayed version, then check each device name, model, backup size, and last-backup date before choosing one.
3
Protect a current device first
Do not delete the only recent backup of a device you still use unless you accept losing that restore point. If appropriate, create and verify a newer iCloud backup or an encrypted computer backup first. Confirm essential photos and files are synchronized or copied separately.
4
Select only the obsolete backup
Open the backup for the old, sold, replaced, or reset device. Review the listed device name again. Similar default names can make two iPhones difficult to distinguish, so compare model and last backup rather than guessing from the name alone.
5
Turn off and delete the backup
Choose Turn Off and Delete from iCloud, or the equivalent wording Apple displays, and confirm. This deletes the selected backup and stops iCloud Backup for that device. Storage reporting may take time to update; do not repeat the action on another device merely because the total has not refreshed.
6
Verify storage and backup status
Return to iCloud storage and confirm the intended backup is gone. On every current device that should remain protected, open iCloud Backup and verify it is on, then run or schedule a current backup. Deleting old backups does not increase the physical storage available on the iPhone itself.
If storage has not updated, wait for iCloud to refresh before deleting another backup.
If you selected a current device accidentally, turn iCloud Backup back on and create a new backup; the deleted restore point itself cannot be recovered.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
