iCloud is Apple's cloud storage service that helps sync your data across devices. All your information - photos, files, notes, and more - can be accessed on any Apple product or even via a web browser. iCloud can also be used to store a backup of your iPhone. All iCloud users get 5GB of free storage, but you can pay for me. If you're curious about iCloud or need a little help, here's everything you need to know:
In this guide:
- What can you store in iCloud?
- iCloud Backup
- iCloud Mail
- iCloud Photos
- iCloud Drive
- iCloud Passwords
- How much does iCloud Storage cost in Australia?
- How to upgrade your iCloud storage
- What is iCloud+?
- How do you turn on iCloud?
- How do you turn on iCloud backup?
- How to delete an iCloud backup
- Can you access iCloud on Windows?
What can you store in iCloud?
iCloud can be used to store the following:
- Photos
- Files
- Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Reminders
- iMessages
- Safari tabs
- Passwords
- Backups
Third-party apps can also use iCloud to store information and sync it across your devices.
iCloud Backup
If you want to keep a backup of your iPhone, you can do so in iCloud. This backup consists of absolutely everything stored on your iPhone or iPad, and can be used to set up a new iDevice or if you have to reset and restore your current iDevice.
While you currently need to have enough iCloud storage to back up your iPhone or iPad when setting up a new device, come iOS 15, Apple will give you a free temporary boost of storage when you're setting up a new phone or tablet. This storage will be available for up to three weeks. iOS 15 is expected to be available in September, and will support all devices currently running iOS 14.
Watch this video from Apple Support to learn how to back up your iPhone or iPad using iCloud.
iCloud Mail
All iCloud users are able to get a free @icloud.com email address. To create an iCloud Mail email address, follow these steps on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Toggle on Mail and follow the on-screen prompts
After you create an @icloud.com email address, you'll be able to use it to sign in to iCloud and your devices, as well as your Apple ID.
iCloud Photos
If you want to use iCloud for photo storage, your iPhone or iPad will automatically upload your photos to iCloud. Your original full-resolution versions are stored in iCloud, while smaller versions are kept on your device. This is a great option if you need a bit of extra storage on your iPhone or iPad for installing extra apps.
iCloud Drive
If you're looking to store other files in iCloud, you can do so with iCloud Drive. You can access your iCloud Drive on your iPhone or iPad through the Files app. Files can also be shared with others using a private link.
iCloud Passwords
iCloud can be used to securely store and sync your passwords across your various devices. When logging in to a service, such as Facebook, you'll be asked if you want to use the password from your iCloud Keychain instead of having to type it in yourself. This also makes it easier to use more complicated passwords that can be harder to remember (but securer).
To enable this feature, follow these steps on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Toggle on iCloud Keychain
You'll also want to turn on AutoFill Passwords to make life even easier. To check that it's on, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Passwords
- Tap AutoFill Passwords
- Toggle AutoFill Passwords on and make sure iCloud Keychain is selected
How much does iCloud Storage cost in Australia?
All iCloud users automatically get 5GB of storage, but if you need more, you'll need to pay a monthly fee. Australian iCloud pricing is as follows:
- 50GB: $1.49 per month
- 200GB: $4.49 per month
- 2TB: $14.99 per month
Alternatively, all Apple One plans include at least 50GB of iCloud storage. If you're already paying for services such as Apple Music or Apple Arcade, Apple One is definitely worth considering if you also need iCloud storage.
How to upgrade your iCloud storage
If you need extra iCloud storage, you can purchase more on your iPhone or iPad by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Tap iCloud Storage
- Tap Buy More Storage or Change Storage Plan
- Choose a plan
- Tap Buy and follow the instructions
What is iCloud+?
iCloud+ is an upcoming service that will add more features to your iCloud subscription on top of storage. This will include Apple's take on a VPN and a random email generator for newsletters and services.
How do you turn on iCloud?
iCloud features have to be enabled or disabled on an individual basis. To do so, follow steps on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
Here you can toggle on which apps you want to use iCloud.
How do you turn on iCloud backup?
If you want to back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Tap iCloud Backup
- Toggle iCloud Backup to on
Your device will automatically back up files when your iPhone is connected to power, locked, and connected to WiFi. You can tap the Back Up Now button to force a manual backup.
How to restore from iCloud backup
When you're setting up a new iPad or iPhone, you'll have the opportunity to restore from an iCloud backup. To do this, tap Restore from iCloud Backup on the Apps & Data screen, and sign in with your Apple ID. You'll then be given a list of backups to choose from.
How to delete an iCloud backup
If you need to delete an iCloud backup to free up space, follow these steps on our iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Tap Manage Storage
- Tap Backups
Here you'll see a complete list of your iCloud backups Tapping an individual backup will give you the option to delete it.
Can you access iCloud on Windows?
If you're an iPhone or iPad user who runs Windows on their PC, you can still access your iCloud data on Windows. The easiest way is to download the iCloud app. You'll find this in the Microsoft Store if you're running Windows 10, or you can download it directly from Apple if you're on an older version. After you've installed it, you'll just need to sign in with your Apple ID.
If you're using iCloud for passwords, there's also a Chrome extension to speed up the process.
Alex Choros
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