How to sync files between Apple device with iCloud

In this article we will show you how to sync files between Apple device with iCloud. iCloud Drive, a storage service that lets you save files and data in the cloud, is one of the useful new features of iOS and MacOS. iCloud Drive lets you store files that you can then view from your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even a web browser on any computer, even a Windows PC. But sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to use iCloud Drive.

iCloud Drive is not like other computer storage services. With Dropbox, for example, you have a folder on your computer and an app on your iOS device, and you can view and organize any files you put there. This is not how iCloud Drive works. It stores files in folders that are special to each app, and while you can open some files with other apps, you can’t move them around or get to them in the same way. If you want to know more information about this Visit Official Apple Support site.

How to sync files between Apple device with iCloud

Use iCloud Drive on Mac

Now that you know what iCloud Drive can do for you, you’ll be eager to set it up on your Mac(s) and other devices. First, we’ll talk about setting up iCloud Drive on your Mac.

1. Open System Preferences (click on the Apple logo in the top left and then System Preferences).
2. Click on Apple ID.
3. Log in to your Apple ID if you aren’t already logged in.
4. Make sure iCloud Drive is enabled (it should have a tick next to it).
5. Click on Options… beside iCloud Drive.
6. Make sure that the box beside Desktop & Documents Folders is checked.
7. Scroll down to check that any apps that you want to store files in iCloud will do so (e.g. make sure the box is ticked beside Pages, TextEdit and so on).
8. Click on Done.
9. You can also check the box beside Optimize Mac Storage so that you only store the files you need on your Mac, rather than storing everything and rapidly running out of space.
10. Below that option you will see how much of your iCloud Storage is being used. Click on Manage… to see how much storage is being used by each app, and also to change your storage plan.

Access iCloud Drive on Mac

Because your Desktop and Documents folders are automatically synced, you may not even realize you are using iCloud Drive. However, sometimes you will need to find something you saved to iCloud Drive from your iPhone or iPad, or a folder that someone else shared with you.

1. Press Command + Space Bar.
2. Start to type iCloud Drive.  
3. Click on iCloud Drive and a Finder window will open displaying your iCloud Drive folder.

Use iCloud Drive on iPhone or iPad

Any things you put in your iCloud Drive can be accessed from your Mac (or Macs) as well as any of your iOS devices. You can open the same Pages document you were working on at the office and finish it on your iPad on the train ride home, or you can make last-minute changes to a Keynote show on your iPhone on the way to a meeting. Accessing your files on all of your devices is very helpful, especially if you have to work from home on short notice. You must first set up iCloud Drive on all of your iOS devices. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Tap on Settings.
2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Tap on iCloud. Here you will see the various apps that are using iCloud.
4. Scroll down to iCloud Drive and turn it on.

Access iCloud Drive on iPhone or iPad

If you use an app that works with iCloud, like Pages, to make a new document, it will be saved to iCloud Drive immediately. If you tap on a document and it doesn’t open, check to see if that app is set up to open iCloud documents:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Mobile Data.
3. Scroll down to iCloud Drive and check that the slider is green.

If you don’t see your files in iCloud Drive on your iPhone try these steps:

1. Go to Settings and click on iCloud.
2. Choose iCloud Drive and turn it off.
3. Restart your iPhone/iPad.
4. Open Settings and click on iCloud again.
5. Go back to iCloud Drive and turn it on again.
6. Open Settings and click on iCloud again.
7. Sign out of iCloud. restart your iPhone or iPad.
8. Sign in to iCloud again.
9. Wait for the iCloud Drive documents to sync.

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