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VinTekiel
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

iCloud Drive storage not updating after deleting files

iCloud says my iCloud Drive uses over 2TB, but my actual files total is way under after deleting 100GBs 2 months ago.


What I've checked:


The Mac's local iCloud sync database, which lists every file on Apple's servers (including ones not downloaded), comes nowhere near 532 GB


Recently Deleted is empty, on both the Mac and icloud.com

  • No hidden app data or old backups

The gap appeared after I deleted a very large number of build files from iCloud Drive a few months ago. It looks like that usage was never subtracted.


Questions:


Has anyone had this fixed? Did Apple Support run a server-side storage recalculation or reindex for you?


  • What wording or steps got your case escalated to a Senior Advisor or engineering?


  • How long did the fix take?


thanks



Posted on Nov 9, 2026 6:08 AM

2 replies

Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Nov 9, 2026 6:32 AM in response to VinTekiel

This support page has information about contacting Apple support and service ➔ https://support.apple.com/106932 If live support options (chat and/or telephone) are available they will show near the bottom left.

- Telephone numbers may only work when calling from the same country.

- Chat options (telephone numbers appear as active links, not plain text) may depend upon cellular connectivity. If a number shows as an active link, click on it to see additional options.

- If chat is not available on the top level support page, try selecting your hardware and narrow down your issue to see if a support article offers a support link offering chat. For example, the contact support link on this page https://support.apple.com/119902#zerobalance offers a chat link about emptying account balance even on a computer where the top level page does not offer any chat.

With an iPhone, iPad, or Vision, you may be able to chat using the Apple Support App if it is available in your country —> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


If you want to speak with somebody senior then you will just have to keep on asking them to put you through to somebody.

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Nov 9, 2026 6:19 AM in response to VinTekiel

I would contact apple support and ask about that recalculation if I where you

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256391340