How to set up iCloud Drive on Mac

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of your display. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu to open the preference pane.

2. 30 sec

   Select your Apple ID

   Click on your name at the very top of the sidebar. If you are not signed in, enter your Apple ID credentials before proceeding.

   Note: Ensure two-factor authentication is enabled for account security.
3. 30 sec

   Open iCloud preferences

   Select iCloud from the list of options in the main window. This displays a list of apps and features that utilize iCloud storage.

4. 30 sec

   Toggle iCloud Drive

   Click on iCloud Drive within the list of apps. Toggle the switch to the On position to activate the service.

5. 60 sec

   Manage folder sync settings

   Click the Options button next to the iCloud Drive toggle. Check the box for Desktop & Documents Folders to automatically sync these specific directories to iCloud.

   Note: Enabling this option moves your local Desktop and Documents folders into the iCloud Drive cloud storage.
6. 30 sec

   Confirm changes

   Click Done to save your configuration. macOS will begin uploading your files to iCloud; status can be monitored in the Finder sidebar under the iCloud section.