iCloud is a great product that has proven safe and secure as well as useful.
However, the confusing thing is exactly where is iCloud and how do you use it? Even the most basic thing such as how to login to iCloud baffles most average users.
Luckily signing in to iCloud from a computer is simple. You go to https://www.icloud.com from any web browser and sign in using your Apple ID and password. You can also sign in from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch via the settings screen with your Apple ID. This process is described in more detail below.
When you sign up for an Apple ID then they give you 5GB of free space to store your photos, documents and other stuff.
If 5GB isn’t enough room you can upgrade to larger amounts for a very reasonable monthly fee of pennies per month.
Great, as long as you know how to access and use it.
I have assumed that you know what iCloud is. If you are still unsure then you might enjoy my article that explains what is iCloud. Read it to get a better understanding then come back to read about logging in.
Table of Contents
How to access iCloud from a mobile device such as iPhone or iPad
This sign in procedure was tested using iOS 12.
The pictures shown are from an iPhone but they are very similar when you use an iPad or an iPod Touch.
Before you begin it is a good idea to make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and have at least 50% battery left.
1. Tap the settings icon
2. Tap ‘Sign in to your iPhone’ at the very top
3. You type in your Apple ID, which is the email address you used to sign up with. Click Next at the top right.
4. You will then be asked for your password. Type it in and click next at the top right.
5. The Apple ID two-factor authentication message will appear. This is not optional – all Apple products using iCloud must use two-factor authentication. Click continue.
Here is a video describing what Apple two-factor authentication is
6. Your phone number will appear on screen. This is the number that is used to verify your identity so make sure it is correct. Click continue if it is OK or ‘Use a different number’ to change it. The best option is your mobile cell phone number.
7. You will be signed into your Apple iCloud account. It may take a couple of minutes to do as it is setting it up and synchronizing data with your device.
8. You will be asked for your passcode. This is the 4 or 6 digit code used to secure your iPhone. Touch and face ID won’t work, only the passcode.
9. You will then be asked for your iCloud security code – your two-factor authentication.
10. You are now signed in!
11. To check it worked go to ‘Settings’ and you should see your details at the top. If you have updated your iCloud profile with a picture this will appear too.
How to access iCloud from a computer (any computer)
1. To sign in to your iCloud account you need to make sure the computer you plan to use is connected to the internet.
2. Click on a web browser icon – such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer
3. At the top in the browser bar type in https://www.icloud.com
4. Type in your Apple ID and password
5. You will go into your own iCloud account with all your stuff in it.
What if you can’t login?
Login issue
If you have restored your device or recently upgraded it you may be repeatedly asked to sign in – which is very annoying.
The best thing to do if this happens to you is to sign out of iCloud completely, reboot and sign in again.
1. Tap Settings
2. Tap your name at the top
3. Scroll down and tap ‘Sign out’
4. You will be asked for your Apple ID password so that ‘Find my iPhone’ can be switched off. Type it in and click Turn Off.
5. Next, you will be asked if you want to keep a copy of your data on the device. You can only keep the items listed. All other iCloud data stored on the iCloud Drive will be removed from the device. This means you can’t see the data from this product, but you could still see it from your other Apple devices or by logging in to iCloud via a web browser.
If you ever sign in to iCloud again from this device the stuff will be copied back – so it is safe.
6. You are now signed out.
7. Reboot your device and login to iCloud again on your device.
Forgot your password
If you forget your Apple ID password you should follow the instructions here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201487.
Forgot all your Apple ID details
If you forget your Apple ID, password, two-factor security, and secret questions then you are stuck. If you think about it you are in the same position as someone who has stolen an iPhone and wants to break into it.
The first issue you may have to deal with is that your iPhone, or iPad may be iCloud locked. You won’t be able to sign out of iCloud on the devices, never mind sign in again. In these circumstances it is advisable to learn as much as possible about the iCloud security system to see if you could remove the iCloud activation. Otherwise you may end up being unable to access or use your device properly again.
Did you find this iPhone fix helpful?
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