How to Setup and Use iCloud Drive on iPhone, iPad and Mac

🗓️ November 21, 2023 By ✍️ Jaysukh patel

iCloud Drive is Apple’s cloud storage system. While with access to iCloud Drive, you can easily access folders, documents, files, and more that you are presently storing and syncing with an Apple ID. 

On Apple devices, you can find the documents and folders right in the Files App. And the best part is that you can access the iCloud drive on the web and Finder on your Mac computer. Our guide will show you a complete guide on how to set up and access iCloud Drive on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. 

How to Enable iCloud Drive on iPhone & iPad

Step 1: Navigate to the Settings App on your iPhone. Tap on Apple ID [Your Name].

Step 2: Swipe down and hit on iCloud. Tap on iCloud Drive. In the next screen, enable the toggle next to Sync This iPhone or Sync This iPad.

Once iCloud is enabled on your iPhone & iPad, all the iCloud-compatible Apps will offer you an option and save files to iCloud Drive.

Steps to access iCloud Drive Files on iPhone & iPad

You can also access iCloud Drive files on iPhone & iPad using the Files App on the home screen. 

Step 1: Access the Files App on your iPhone & iPad > Browse.

Step 2: On the next screen, go to the Locations menu. Tap on the iCloud Drive. 

On the iCloud Drive screen, you’ll find all your files and folders located on iCloud Drive. 

To access a folder on iCloud Drive, hit on it, and you can access the files located within that Folder.

Steps to delete iCloud Drive files from iPhone & iPad

At any time, you can delete any folder and files stored on your iCloud Drive right from your iPhone & iPad.

1. Access the Files App on your iPhone & iPad.
2. On the next screen, go to the Locations menu.
3. Tap on the iCloud Drive. 

4. On the iCloud Drive screen, you’ll find all your files and folders located on iCloud Drive. 
5. Access the Folder containing files you want to clear out from iCloud Drive.
6. Once you access the Folder, hit the Select option from the top menu bar or Long Press to see other Options.
7. Select the File that you are willing to delete. 
8. At last, select Delete Option from the bottom menu bar.

Steps to share iCloud Drive files with others on iPad & iPad

The best part is that you can share Files stored in the iCloud Drive account with others and allow them to view iCloud Drive files or allow them to edit and view the shared files. 

1. Access the Files App on your iPhone & iPad.
2. On the next screen, go to the Locations menu.
3. Tap on the iCloud Drive.

4. On the iCloud Drive screen, you’ll find all your files and folders located on iCloud Drive. 
5. Open the Folder you want to share with others.

6. On the next screen, tap on the Select Option from the top right of the screen.
7. After this, select the Files you’re willing to share.
8. Next, hit on the Share Icon from the bottom menu.
9. From the prompted menu, select sharing as per your preferences.

Steps to upgrade iCloud Drive Storage on iPhone & iPad

The iCloud Drive is limited to 5GB of storage space, which is only good enough to store iPhone Backups to iCloud. If this iCloud Storage is enough for you, you must upgrade to higher storage by following the steps below. 

1. Access the Settings App on your iPhone & iPad.
2. Tap on your Apple ID[Your Name] from the top.
3. On the next screen, tap on iCloud.

4. Hit on the Manage Account Storage. 
5. Choose Change Storage Plan > Select Other Plans.

6. Select a preferable plan and hit Upgrade to iCloud+.
7. Hit on Subscribe to upgrade to iCloud+.
8. If prompted, enter your Apple ID and hit on the Sign-In Button. 

How to enable iCloud Drive on Mac

1. Go to the Apple Menu from the top left corner. Click on the System Settings…

2. Select Apple ID[Your Name]. Click on iCloud from the next screen. 

3. Navigate to the iCloud Drive.

4. Click the toggle next to the Sync This Mac to enable iCloud Drive > Done. 

Steps to access iCloud Drive Files on Mac

If you haven’t yet turned on the iCloud Drive on your Mac, fuss not; you can now enable it on your Mac anytime. Whether you have an older or new Mac, here is how you can enable iCloud Drive files on your Mac.

1. Access the Finder on your Mac. 
2. Click on the Go from the Mac menu bar. In the prompted menu, select iCloud Drive.

3. On the next screen, you’ll see iCloud Drive Folders & Files. 

Steps to delete iCloud Drive Files on Mac

If you no longer want the iCloud Drive files on your Mac device, then here’s how you can delete them on your device.

1. Click on the Finder Icon from your Mac dock.
2. Select Go from Mac Menubar.
3. In the prompted menu, select iCloud Drive.

4. Here, you’ll see a folder list in the iCloud Drive.
5. Now, open the Folder and drag the File to Trash. However, you can drag and drop the complete folder in the Trash. 

Steps to share iCloud Drive files with others on Mac

If you want to share iCloud Drive files from one Mac to another Apple Device, then here’s how you can do so. 

1. Click on the Finder Icon from your Mac dock.
2. Select Go from Mac Menubar.
3. In the prompted menu, select iCloud Drive. 
4. Here, you’ll see a list of folders stored in the iCloud Drive.
5. If you want to share a complete folder, click on it to select or go to the desired folder and select the File you want to share.
6. After this, click on Share Icon at the top left corner of the screen.

7. At last, share the Folder or File using the preferable way.

Steps to upgrade iCloud Drive Storage on Mac

To upgrade iCloud Drive, all you need to do is go to the Manage Account storage on your Mac and then select Change Storage Plan or My More Storage—however, the complete procedure is mentioned below. 

1. Go to the Apple Menu on your Mac. Click on System Settings…

2. Select your Apple ID[Your Name].
3. Click on iCloud on the right side.

4. Choose Manage…

4. Select Buy More Storage or Change Storage Plan. Then select Plan. 
5. Click on Next. 
6. Enter your Apple ID and password.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish buying iCloud Storage. 

That’s It!

Final Thought!

This is how you can easily set up and access iCloud drive on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Moreover, if you have any relatable queries for iCloud Drive, please drop them in the comment box below.