Canceling Cloud Subscription? Here’s What Happens to Your Files on iCloud, Google One, and OneDrive

Have you ever asked yourselves what happens to your data in case of canceling cloud subscription?  In the world of digital subscriptions, from streaming services to software packages, it’s easy to lose track of monthly expenses. One of the most common subscriptions is certainly for cloud storage, as Apple, Google, and Microsoft offer very little free space.

But what happens to the photos, documents, and other files you’ve collected over the years if you decide to cancel that subscription? While policies vary, most major services will give you a grace period before potentially deleting your data. We’ve analyzed the policies of the four most popular services.

Apple iCloud

• Free Storage: 5 GB
• What happens after cancellation? Your account reverts to the free 5 GB tier. If your files exceed that limit, you will no longer be able to sync new files or create new backups.
• The fate of existing data: Apple’s policy is not entirely clear. The documentation implies that existing files will become read-only. However, the terms of service state that Apple “reserves the right” to delete device backups if they haven’t been updated in 180 days. Thus, your files may or may not be deleted.
• Recommendation: Don’t take the risk. Before canceling your subscription, download all important files to a computer or an external drive.

Google One

• Free Storage: 15 GB (shared across Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive)
• What happens after cancellation? The account reverts to 15 GB. If you are over the limit, your Google services become practically unusable – you will not be able to send or receive emails in Gmail or create new documents. Syncing new files is halted.
• The fate of existing data: Google states that it may delete all your content if you remain over the free limit for two years.
• Recommendation: Due to the blocking of key services like Gmail, you will need to free up space quickly. The easiest way to download all your data is by using the Google Takeout tool.

Microsoft OneDrive

• Free Storage: 5 GB
• What happens after cancellation? You revert to 5 GB. If you are over the limit, existing files become read-only, and syncing stops. Additionally, you will not be able to send or receive emails on Outlook.com or messages with attachments in Teams.
• The fate of existing data: Microsoft gives you a six-month grace period to free up space. After that, it may delete your files, warning that once deleted, they are gone forever.
• Recommendation: Use the six-month period to download your files to your computer using the OneDrive application.

Dropbox

• Free Storage: 2 GB
• What happens after cancellation? Your account reverts to 2 GB. If you are over the limit, syncing stops, and you cannot add new files.
• The fate of existing data: This is the key difference – Dropbox will not delete your existing files. They remain safe in the cloud, and you can still access them.
• Recommendation: Although your data is safe, if you wish to move it, the easiest way is through the desktop application that syncs files with your computer.

Conclusion

While Dropbox is the most lenient, Apple, Google, and Microsoft apply a similar policy: after canceling cloud subscription and a grace period expires, your data may be permanently deleted. Don’t wait for a system warning. Before canceling a subscription, always ensure your important files are saved to another location, whether it’s your computer, an external drive, or another cloud service.