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How to Set Up iCloud Drive

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Open Settings and tap your Apple ID at the top

    Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name at the very top.

  2. Tap "iCloud" and turn on "iCloud Drive"

    Go into the iCloud menu and switch on the iCloud Drive toggle.

  3. Open the Files app to see your iCloud Drive folder

    Opening the built-in Files app on your iPhone lets you browse everything stored in iCloud Drive.

  4. Access the same files from a computer too

    On a Mac, iCloud Drive appears right in Finder; on Windows, installing iCloud for Windows gives you access to the same files.

Pick up right where you left off on another device

A document you were working on on your iPhone can be opened and continued on your iPad or Mac without manually transferring anything, since it already lives in the same iCloud Drive folder.

Keep storage use in check

iCloud Drive shares its storage allotment with photos, backups, and mail, so a free account fills up faster than you might expect -- checking usage under Settings > [your name] > iCloud regularly helps you avoid a sync interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access iCloud Drive on an Android phone?

There is no native Files app integration, but you can view and download files through a web browser by signing in at iCloud.com.

What happens to a file if I turn off iCloud Drive?

You will be asked whether to keep a local copy of your files on that device or remove them, so make sure to choose to keep a copy if you still need access to them.