Why This Happens
Apps can re-register for iCloud access behind the scenes when:
- You reopen the app
- The app updates
- The app’s developer has built it to sync settings, user data, or backups via iCloud as default behavior
This is especially true for apps that use CloudKit or iCloud Drive, and Apple doesn’t always prompt you visibly when this happens — which makes it feel like you’ve lost control.
What You Can Do to Fully Disable iCloud Access
Here’s a step-by-step process to keep these apps off iCloud completely:
1. Turn Off iCloud for the App
Go to:
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Show All (under Apps Using iCloud)
- Toggle the offending app off
- If it re-enables, continue with the next steps
2. Revoke iCloud Drive Access Entirely
Go to:
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive
- Toggle iCloud Drive OFF
- This disables iCloud file storage for all apps that use it—including ones that keep turning themselves back on.
3. Check iCloud Backup Settings
Go to:
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Make sure iCloud Backup is off
- If you're manually managing backups via computer, you're safe here
4. Delete App Data from iCloud
Go to:
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > [App Name]
- Tap the app (e.g., Waze or Marco Polo)
- Tap Delete Data
- This removes any previously stored iCloud data for that app.
5. Use Screen Time to Block iCloud Settings (Optional but Effective)
Go to:
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Account Changes
- Set to Don’t Allow
- This will prevent iCloud settings from being altered without your passcode.
