iCloud is a brilliant bit of software that is available for all Apple devices – from Mac computers through to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
It backs up all your content to the internet automatically once it is configured on your device.
By default, Apple gives you 5GB of space to save your stuff – which is plenty if you only have a single device.
But how do you setup and configure iCloud on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?
Luckily, the setup process is fairly easy. You simply need to sign in to your iCloud account on your device and go through each of the Apps deciding if you want the content saved to iCloud, or not. It only takes a few minutes to do but it will ensure you have a backup when you need it.
The 5GB provided is ample for most people but it can be upgraded from your device for only pennies per month making it affordable for most people. [2]
iCloud pricing is very reasonable
Apple also allows you to share your account with other family members – meaning you can have everyone use the same account for backups making it a very economical method of backing up your precious stuff. [1]. However, you have to commit to a much larger plan of 200GB to take advantage of this.
Don’t worry – even though you share the account you can’t view each others stuff. So you get the benefits of shared storage whilst keeping your privacy.
iCloud also includes other things such as ‘Find My iPhone’ [3] as well as some web-based applications that let you send an email or update contacts when on the move via any web browser.
If you don’t currently use iCloud – set it up immediately as it has several advantages:
- All your stuff is backed up securely
- When you upgrade to a new device you can automatically move all your contents, Apps, and settings
- If you forget your passcode you can reset it and recover the data from the backup
- It is free (unless you needs lots of space)
- If you must buy a plan you can share it with your family keeping costs down
Table of Contents
Set up iCloud from an iPhone or iPad
iCloud Requirements
Before you can use iCloud you need:
- Apple ID – this is the username and password you use to download stuff from iTunes
- An iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of the operating system installed on it (or at least iOS 5)
Steps
1. Tap on the Settings app
2. If your name appears at the top of the settings click it. If it doesn’t read this article to find out how to sign in to iCloud.
3. Tap on “iCloud”
4. Scroll down and find ‘iCloud Drive’. Tap it to turn it green and it will be turned on.
How to sign out of iCloud from an iPhone or iPad
If you want to sign out of iCloud, perhaps because you want to sell your device, then you can do so easily.
How to manage iCloud sync permissions on iPhone and iPad
If you are worried about running out of space on iCloud then you can manually adjust which Apps have permission to store data there. For example, some Apps may store settings or files – such as documents – without you realizing.
Some of the Apps that store data include:
- Photos
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Reminders
- Notes
- Messages
- Safari
- Stocks
- Health
- Wallet
- Game Centre
- Siri
- Pages
- Numbers
- Keynote
And that is just the Apple Apps.
You can decide what gets stored by configuring settings on your device.
It is very easy to do, simply follow these steps.
Steps
1. Tap Settings
2. Tap your name.
3. Tap iCloud.
4. Toggle the switch off (white) for the App you no longer want to sync to iCloud. Tapping the switch again switches it back on.
What happens if you forget your Apple ID or password?
If you forget your Apple login details you can reset them. This works perfectly as long as you have the security details configured properly. If you don’t it can lock you out of your iCloud account and prevent you from using your devices.
Having an iCloud locked device can make your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch unusable so be careful to set your Apple ID up properly.
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Sources
[1] Apple Support: Share an iCloud storage plan with your family
[2] Apple Support: iCloud storage plans and pricing
[3] Apple support: How to set up Find My iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, AirPods