How to Set Up iCloud Cloud Storage

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

• Check if you have an Apple ID, and set one up if needed
• Configure Apple iCloud on your Mac

Before We Begin:

• Be at your Mac
• Have your smartphone available for Apple ID verification

2. macOS or iOS Requirement

Apple's iCloud service is restricted by Apple to be primarily used on Apple devices.You can access some of the features of iCloud using a Windows computer, but setup of the service and actually starting and storing files requires the use of a computer running macOS, or an iPhone or iPad running iOS.

If you primarily use Windows-based computers, iCloud will not provide many useful functions. It is designed to work on Apple computers and Apple smartphones and tablets.

3. Account Check

iCloud uses the single sign-on service created by Apple called Apple ID. Your Apple ID ties together all your Apple Internet-related logins to one account, including iCloud.

4. Password Check

To sign on to your Apple ID, you will need your Email address (your Apple ID), as well as your Apple ID Password.

5. Setup

1. Select the Apple menu, then System Preferences.
   

1. Select iCloud.
   

1. Enter your Apple ID, then select Next.
   

1. Enter your Apple ID password, then select Next.
   

1. You'll be asked for a verification code, usually sent to the phone number you setup on your Apple ID account. Look at your smartphone for a code or text message with a code, enter that code here, and select Continue.
   

iCloud is now setup on your Mac. It will begin backing up all your user settings, and any files you have created and stored on your Mac.

6. Web Access

Once setup on your Mac, you can access your iCloud files from any computer, using your web browser.

1. Open your preferred web browser.
   

1. In the address bar at top, type in icloud.com, and press Enter or Return.
   

1. Fill in your Apple ID and select the Right Arrow to continue.
   

1. Enter your password, then select the Right Arrow to continue.
   

1. You will be prompted for your Two-Factor Authentication code. Look at your smartphone for the code, then type it in to continue.
   

1. You will be asked if you trust this browser. If this is a public computer (accessed by multiple people), select Don't Trust. If this is your own, private computer, select Trust.
   

1. Select iCloud Drive to access your files.
   

1. You will be shown the files you have stored on your iCloud account. Double-click any to view or edit them.
   

7. Forgot Password

1. Open the Safari browser.
   

1. In the address bar at top, type in appleid.apple.com and press Return.
   

1. Select Forgot Apple ID or password.
   

1. Enter your Apple ID, then select Continue.
   

1. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset your Apple ID password.
2. The questions you are asked may be very different from here, depending on what information is on your Apple ID account already.

8. Create Apple ID

1. Open the Safari browser.
   

1. In the address bar at top, type in appleid.apple.com and press Return.
   

1. Scroll down. Select Create your Apple ID.
   
   

1. Read the page carefully, and fill in the information requested.
2. This is your personal information, and will change from time to time. The page will walk you through entering your information and creating your account.

9. Forgot Apple ID

1. Open the Safari browser.
   

1. In the address bar at top, type in iforgot.apple.com/appleid and press Return.
   

1. Enter your First Name, Last Name, and Email address, then select Continue.
   

Apple ID Found

If your Apple ID is found, it will be displayed.

Make note of your Apple ID, you will need it going forward.

No Apple ID Found

If no Apple ID is found, it will let you know.

Try again with other Email addresses you use, to be sure.