To set up iCloud on your iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Sign in to your iPhone (or Sign in to your iPad) at the top. Enter your Apple Account email or phone number and password, then type the verification code sent to your other device or phone number. Once you’re signed in, tap your name > iCloud to choose what syncs, like Photos, iCloud Drive, Contacts, and iCloud Backup.
Step 1: Sign in with your Apple Account
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top.
- Choose Sign in Manually, or hold another Apple device nearby to sign in automatically.
- Enter your Apple Account email address or phone number, and tap Continue.
- Enter your password.
- If asked, enter the six-digit verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number.
- Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted, and choose whether to merge data like contacts and calendars that are already on the device.
Don’t have an Apple Account? On the sign-in screen, tap Don’t have an Apple Account? and follow the steps to create one for free.
Step 2: Choose what to sync with iCloud
- In Settings, tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud.
- Under Saved to iCloud, tap See All and turn on the apps you want, like Photos, iCloud Drive, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Messages in iCloud, and Passwords & Keychain.
Step 3: Turn on iCloud Backup
- Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone.
- Tap Back Up Now to make your first backup while connected to Wi-Fi.
After that, your iPhone backs up automatically when it’s locked, charging, and on Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Check your iCloud storage
Every Apple Account comes with 5 GB of free iCloud storage, which fills up quickly with photos and backups. See how much you’re using at the top of the iCloud screen. To get more, tap Manage Account Storage > Upgrade to iCloud+ and choose a plan.
Set up iCloud on a Mac or Windows PC
- Mac: Go to System Settings > Sign in (or your name) > iCloud.
- Windows: Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store and sign in with the same Apple Account.
- Web: Go to icloud.com from any browser.
Related: How to Sync iPhone and iPad Calendars.
Troubleshooting
- “Verification failed” or “Cannot connect to server”: Check that you’re online and the date and time are set automatically in Settings > General > Date & Time. Then check Apple’s System Status page.
- Didn’t get a verification code: Tap Didn’t get a verification code? to have it sent by text or phone call.
- Forgot your password: Tap Forgot password or don’t have an Apple Account? on the sign-in screen, or go to iforgot.apple.com.
- Sign-in grayed out: Screen Time restrictions may block account changes. Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Account Changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is iCloud free?
Yes, with 5 GB of free storage. Paid iCloud+ plans add more storage and features like Private Relay and Hide My Email.
Can I use the same iCloud account on my iPhone and iPad?
Yes. Sign in with the same Apple Account on both to sync photos, notes, messages, and more.
What’s the difference between an Apple Account and iCloud?
Your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID) is your login for all Apple services. iCloud is Apple’s storage and sync service that uses that account.
How do I sign out of iCloud?
Go to Settings > your name, scroll down, and tap Sign Out. You may need to turn off Find My with your password first.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.