Apple has its own online storage service with iCloud Drive. Store files in this web vault so you can always access stored files and photos from a computer, Mac, iPhone and/or iPad. How do you use iCloud Drive?
Files available on any device
iCloud Drive is an alternative to Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Drive. It is an online storage service. One difference is that iCloud Drive is specialized for using Apple devices. But it also works on a Windows computer. Use iCloud Drive to sync data between different devices. This means that changes are also made online, so that the most recent files are always available on all devices. This way you have the same documents at hand everywhere. You are allowed to store 5 GB of files online for free. If you need more space, Apple charges a subscription fee.
iCloud Drive on Windows PC
iCloud for Windows has been an app in the Microsoft Store for a while now. Downloading the iCloud app is as follows:
- Click on the Start button.
- In the list of apps, click Microsoft Store.
- Click on the magnifying glass at the top right To search.
- Type ‘iCloud’ and press Enter.
- Under ‘Apps’, click iCloud.
- In the overview window click on to install. The progress can be followed in the picture.
- When the installation is complete, click start.
Use iCloud Drive on a computer:
- If you have just installed iCloud Drive, the program will launch automatically. If not, click the Windows Start button at the bottom left.
- click on iCloud > iCloud. Click on Yes to authorize changes to the PC.
- Enter your Apple ID username and password. Then click login.
- A pairing code will appear on your other Apple device (iPhone/iPad), if your phone number is known to Apple or the tablet is linked to your account. You must enter that code on iCloud. On your phone, tap Allow and enter the code on the PC.
- click on do not send when Apple asks if it can send diagnostic data.
- Want to learn more about an Apple ID first? Then read the tip ‘Create Apple ID‘ or surf to this website to create an Apple ID directly on the computer.
- A settings window will appear. In any case, put a check iCloud Drive. You can also synchronize (mobile) photos, mail, contacts, calendars, tasks, bookmarks and passwords. The latter requires additional approval.
- click on To apply.
- click on Close.
The iCloud Drive folder is added to File Explorer. Click on it, and a folder will open on the screen. Any files you store here will be synced to other devices that use iCloud Drive. For example, you can store photos, videos, music and documents in this folder.
iCloud Drive on a Mac
On a Mac, you simply enable iCloud Drive.
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu.
- click on System Preferences.
- click on Apple ID (macOS 10.15 Catalina) or iCloud (macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier).
- You should already be signed in to your Mac with your Apple ID. Put a check in iCloud Drive.
- Click behind ‘iCloud Drive’ on Options.
- Choose which data you want to keep in iCloud Drive automatically. For example, put a check in front of Desktop and Documents folder.
- click on Ready.
- Close the settings window.
- In the Dock, click the icon finder.
- click on iCloud Drive to see which files are stored online.
iCloud Drive on an iPhone/iPad
You can also activate iCloud Drive on an iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on Institutions > your name > iCloud.
- If necessary, sign in with your Apple ID.
- Make sure the slider behind ‘iCloud Drive’ is green. Isn’t that the case? Then tap the slider.
- Close the Settings app.
- The files that are on the iCloud Drive are now also visible in the Files app. Prefer to use the iCloud Drive app? Then download it from the App Store.