Are you trying to learn how to use iCloud? If yes, you should check out our guide here on the important things to understand.
Did you recently move to iOS? Do you wish to store and backup your files? Are you searching for ways to sync your photos and other content more efficiently?
Then the most sensible answer is iCloud. It is Apple’s default storage space for anyone who creates an AppleID account.
In 2016, iCloud users reached the 782 million mark. The numbers will only grow over the next few years. But for people who have yet to experience iCloud, they are missing a lot.
So the question now is do you know how to use iCloud? Continue reading below as we give you a rundown of the iCloud.
iCloud: How Does It Work?
Before we teach you how to use iCloud, let us first go through the technology behind it. iCloud represents Apple’s collective range of cloud-based services. These services cover a long list of things.
iCloud covers emails, files, photos, contacts, and music, among many other things. You can also use it to sync your files. But the bottom line for using iCloud is storage.
It gives you the power to store and access information without taking up any space from your computer or mobile device.
This means you can use iCloud to store and access files using your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac. Interestingly, you can also use iCloud on Windows 10 through the iCloud app.
If you are a Mac user, go to https://setapp.com/how-to/set-up-icloud-mail-on-your-mac to set up an iCloud email on your computer.
When you create a new AppleID account, Apple gives you 5GB of iCloud space. In case you run out of space, you can buy more for a monthly fee.
Furthermore, you can access iCloud online by logging in to iCloud.com.
How to Use iCloud: The Main Features
Now that you have an idea of how iCloud works, let us go deeper into its offerings. Here are the main features you can enjoy from using iCloud:
Backup and Restore
This is the main feature why AppleID subscribers use iCloud. Every time you plug your iPad or iPhone into a computer or a wall socket, it will back itself up to iCloud by default.
You also have the option to manually back up on iCloud. Open the Settings app and tap “iCloud.” Select “Backup” and hit “Back Up Now.”
This also allows you to restore any of your files from the backup. Simply follow the steps on the screen to reset your device to factory default. During the setup process, choose to restore from the backup.
The iCloud Drive
Another one of its popular features is iCloud Drive. This is the service where you can store documents online. It also lets you access these documents across all your Apple devices.
But you need to log-in your devices first on iCloud to ensure everything is in-sync.
If you are an iPad user, you can go to iCloud and create a Numbers spreadsheet. You can also edit and update your spreadsheet with ease. Additionally, you can apply your edits using a Windows computer.
Simply log in to iCloud.com and modify your spreadsheet from there.
For Your Photos
One of Apple’s most popular services not too long ago was My Photo Stream. It worked by uploading every single photo users take and upload to the cloud. It also downloaded the same photos to other devices with a My Photo Stream account.
It was cool at first but problems started to surface after some time. Photos that people uploaded using the service disappeared. This was because the service can only accommodate a maximum of 1,000 pictures at a time.
Thankfully, Apple fixed this by introducing the iCloud Photo Library. It comes with the same features as the My Photo Stream. But this time, it uploads your photos permanently to the iCloud.
This means you can upload as many photos as you want without the worry of losing them. Moreover, the iCloud Photo Library allows you to upload optimized versions of your images. This helps reduce the storage space your pictures use.
Take note, however, that the Photo Library is not part of the iCloud Drive.
For Your Music
Of course, there is the iTunes Match to accommodate all the music that you love. This feature lets you stream your music from the cloud. The good thing about this is it eliminates the need to copy the song and place it on your iPad before you can enjoy it.
Another option is the good old Apple Music. This is Apple’s subscription-based platform that lets you stream an extensive selection of music covering different genres. You can download songs from Apple Music and enjoy them even if you’re offline.
Both the iTunes Match and Apple Music do come with fees. iTunes Match costs $25 a year while Apple Music has a $9.99 monthly subscription fee.
For Your Contacts and Calendars
As we mentioned earlier, iCloud lets you sync all sorts of items across devices. Apart from files, videos, and images, you can also use iCloud to sync and access notes from your devices.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can use some of your device’s basic apps to sync your notes, contacts, calendars, and reminders. For example, you can turn on “Reminders” and prompt Siri to create a reminder on your iPhone. In turn, the reminder will also appear on your iPad.
Find My Device
Last but not least, iCloud comes with a feature that helps you find your device if you lose or misplace it. Using it helps you track your device in case someone steals it.
Moreover, it allows you to lock your iPad and reset it to factory default remotely. This keeps evildoers from accessing your valuable data.
Increase Your Apple Knowledge
Learning how to use iCloud is essential for any iPad, iPhone, or Mac user. The iCloud helps keep your data safe and gives you access whenever you need it. But there is more to discover from your Apple devices.
Increase your Apple knowledge by checking our other articles. We discuss tips and tricks that will help you maximize the power of your Apple devices.
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