The basics of iCloud

Back up your iPhone or iPad and sync with other devices via Apple’s servers

iCloud enables you to sync music and movies – plus photos, contacts, calendars and various kinds of data – wirelessly to the cloud. You need to be using the latest versions of iOS and macOS (there’s also a Windows desktop tool and iCloud control panel if you use a PC – see apple.co/1K7OMAN).

In Settings > iCloud, switch on and sign in to iCloud using your Apple ID, and then choose what to sync: contacts, calendars, reminders, notes, bookmarks, Mail accounts (and messages, if you opt to set up an iCloud Mail account) and more. Now instead of backing up to your Mac via iTunes, your device will sync with iCloud over Wi-Fi, even if you plug it into your computer manually using a cable.

Part of the service is iCloud Photo Library, which syncs photos and videos: take a snap on your iPhone or iPad and it’ll be synced across your Mac and iOS devices, provided the feature is enabled (Settings > Photos & Camera). You can also use iCloud to privately share photos.

In Safari, your bookmarks are synced to iCloud, as are your Reading List and browsing history. You can see what tabs you left open in Safari on other devices, and open them. Signing in to websites in Safari becomes easier when you enable iCloud Keychain – learn more on page 102.

You can also use iCloud to wirelessly back up your iOS device’s data by turning on the Backup feature in its settings.

Finally there’s iCloud Drive, which enables you to sync documents and data. 5GB of space is provided for free. (Music, apps and other purchases from Apple’s stores don’t count towards the quota.) If you need more, prices start at 99¢ per month for 50GB of storage and rise to $19.99 per month for 2TB.

If you’ve heard of iCloud Music Library and are curious why iCloud’s settings do not mention it, that’s because it’s in the Music app’s settings, and only available if you have an Apple Music or iTunes Match feature. Also, tracks stored in it do not take up any of your iCloud account’s storage allowance.