Books.app taking iCloud space without permission

I'm having a recurring issue with iCloud storage: I have not backed Books.app up to the cloud--I use hard-wire sync with my computer when I want to transfer the handful of books purchased from other sources to my iPad or iPhone.

But no matter what I do, Books.app continues to show that it is taking up a large amount of storage space in my iCloud, and I'm getting repetitive notifications that my iCloud storage is almost full.

But without books, I have plenty of room for the things that I do want stored in iCloud and synced via iCloud (basically just notes and contacts).

I've tried multiple times with telephone support from Apple, up to and including senior advisors, and gotten nowhere. It's like a storage Zombie that keeps coming back to life.

Does anyone know how to stop iCloud from filling itself up with this?

Mac OS 26.7.1

iOS 27.0.1

Posted on Oct 31, 2026 4:32 PM

1 reply

tillu_code

Level 4 (2,112 points)

Nov 4, 2026 9:11 PM in response to Donot_Haveone

Books can take space from iCloud Drive/Books sync, not just backup. Check Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Books, and turn off Books under Apps Using iCloud if you don't need it. Also check Backups for old devices that still include it.