How to set up and access iCloud Drive on the Mac

By Bryan M Wolfe
Contributions from
Lory Gil
 last updated

Save time by using iCloud Drive on your favorite Mac.

iCloud Drive on Mac
(Image credit: iMore)
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With iCloud Drive, you can access all of the files you're currently storing and syncing in Apple's iCloud storage service. On iOS, you can find your folders and documents in the Files app. You can access iCloud Drive on the web or via a Finder window on the Mac. Here's how.

How to enable iCloud Drive on your Mac

To turn on iCloud Drive on Mac, choose the Apple menu at the top left, then select System Settings from the pull-down menu. Click the iCloud account at the left, then toggle iCloud Drive at the bottom on the right side.

(Image credit: iMore)

If you haven't already enabled iCloud Drive on your Mac, you can do so manually at any time on any of the best Macs.

  1. Click on the Apple menu icon in the upper left corner of your Mac.
  2. Click on System Settings.
  3. Choose your Apple ID at the top left. 
  4. Toggle on iCloud Drive to enable it.

How to access iCloud Drive from a web browser

To use iCloud Drive online, visit the iCloud.com webpage and log in with your Apple ID. Once logged in, choose iCloud Drive. You can access your files there.

(Image credit: iMore)

You can access all of your iCloud files right from the web on any device, even a PC.

  1. Navigate to iCloud.com from your web browser.
  2. Enter the email address and password associated with your Apple ID.
  3. Click or tap on the Arrow next to the password.
  4. Enter the verification code sent to your trusted device for two-factor authentication if prompted.
  5. Click on iCloud Drive.

You can view files from the web browser and either download them onto your Mac, move them to a different folder, email them, or delete them.

How to access iCloud Drive from Finder on your Mac

To bring up iCloud Drive from Finder, click Finder, then choose Go from the menu bar. Choose iCloud Drive from the pull-down menu.

(Image credit: iMore)

You can also access iCloud Drive right on your Mac without having to use a browser in a Finder window.

  1. Launch Finder on your Mac.
  2. Click Go on the menubar. 
  3. Choose iCloud Drive from the pull-down menu. 

You can also search for iCloud Drive in Spotlight to quickly find iCloud Drive on your Mac.

How to disable iCloud Drive on Mac

To make iCloud Drive inactive on Mac, click on the Apple logo at the top left, then choose System Settings from the pull-down menu. Highlight iCloud on the left hand side and then toggle off iCloud Drive towards the bottom on the right.

(Image credit: iMore)

If you don't want to keep iCloud Drive on your Mac, you can disable it the same way you enabled it.

  1. Click on the Apple menu icon in the upper left corner of your Mac.
  2. Click on System Settings.
  3. Click on Apple ID.
  4. Untoggle iCloud Drive to disable it.

Now you can use iCloud Drive on Mac

If you're an iCloud user, you will definitely want to take advantage of iCloud Drive. Use it to store the most important files that you want to access across your Apple devices. If you know how to open a folder on your Mac, you already know how to use iCloud Drive. 

Bryan M Wolfe
Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.

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