Years ago, there was no easy way to move files, pictures, or anything else from one device to another. You needed to use a cable and go through a lengthy process.
Now, cloud-based storage exists and is here to make your life as easy as possible.
If you’re not using iCloud on Mac, you’re missing out on a ton of great features that will make your life easier.
But oftentimes, setting up and using iCloud can seem a bit overwhelming.
Keep reading for a full rundown on what iCloud is, how to set it up, and how to use it.
What Is iCloud and How Does it Work?
iCloud is a type of cloud-based storage. In the past, having enough space to save all your files could be a real challenge. People had to buy extra hard drives or delete files.
Now, cloud storage eliminates the need for all of that. With services such as iCloud, your files are remotely saved to an off-site storage system. As long as you have an internet connection, you will be able to access this data from anywhere, as well as from different devices.
Some clouds, such as iCloud, even allow you to share files with other people. You can show your family members some photos you took, and share an Excel spreadsheet with your boss at work.
Cloud-based storage makes your life more convenient and flexible.
Make Sure iCloud Is Activated on Your Computer
If you haven’t enabled iCloud on your Mac, you can easily do so.
- In the Mac menu at the top, click the Apple icon
- Click “System Preferences”
- Select “Apple ID”
- Sign in with your Apple ID
Once you finish setting it up, iCloud should be an experience that works automatically on its own. When you work with a file on your phone, it will automatically sync to your computer, and vice-versa. You won’t have to worry about it again!
Still unsure how to set it up? Check out this guide from Setapp for more information on how to use iCloud on Mac.
Decide What You Want to Sync
iCloud is capable of syncing as much or as little as you want it to. Once you finish setting it up, go to “Apple ID” then “iCloud” to see the entire list of available features.
Photos, mail, and contacts are some of the many apps that can be synced across your devices.
Keep in mind that if you have a smaller storage plan, selecting more apps to sync may quickly fill up your storage capacity. Photos, videos, and documents, in particular, can easily eat into your storage.
On the iCloud page, you can also see a breakdown of how much space your different apps are using.
If you notice that something is taking up a lot of storage, consider trying to free up some space!
Consider Different Storage Plans
There are a variety of different storage plans available for you to choose from. The simplest plan is free and gives you 5GB of storage. If you don’t share your iCloud account with anyone else and don’t go crazy with photos, videos, or any other large files, this may be enough.
$0.99 a month will bump you up to 50GB a month. When you consider that you are paying a dollar for 10x more storage, it’s a pretty good deal.
Larger plans come in the form of 200GB and 2TB of storage, for $2.99 and $9.99 a month, respectively. These larger storage capacities allow you to continually back up and store data from your devices, without having to delete it.
The storage plan you choose depends on personal preference and what you will use it for.
Take Advantage of All the Different Features
Now that you have iCloud set up and running, what can you do with it?
Aside from sharing emails, photos, and notes across your devices, you can also sync all of your other files on your Mac with iCloud.
This will enable you to access anything on your computer remotely using your iPhone. If you want to check a word document you saved on your computer last night while on the way to work, you can do that.
If you’re someone who regularly loses your Mac, iPhone, or other Apple device, iCloud can help you locate it.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that your data is backed up, which iCloud can help you with. Next time your phone suddenly decides to stop working, don’t worry.
You can recover everything!
Contact Apple Support for Any Further Questions
If you have any problems or further questions with iCloud, consider making a trip to an Apple store. You can schedule an appointment, or just walk in to receive their Genius Support.
Apple support is top-tier, and any employee would be happy to help you.
You can also search online for an answer. The Apple Support Community contains a number of forums where Apple employees have helped past customers will similar questions. Likewise, you can also get in contact with customer support over the internet.
The Apple team has got your back with any iCloud related issues.
Make Your Life Easier With iCloud on Mac
iCloud is a cloud-based storage system with the capability of storing up to 2TB of data. It works automatically with any of your Apple devices and makes your life a whole lot more convenient.
iCloud on Mac also lets you back up your files, giving you peace of mind.
If you’re not taking full advantage of it yet, now is the time to start!
For more tech-related guides and news, check out our other posts.