Why you can no longer postpone iCloud
You know how it is. That iCloud notification that keeps popping up. You tap "Later" again. Just like last time. Because, well, all those settings, privacy issues, and what if it's full? Besides, everything works perfectly fine now without it. Right?
Here's what no one tells you: it's precisely those people who find iCloud "too difficult" who need it most. Not for the fancy features. But for that one moment when your AirPods get lost on the train . Or when your phone falls into the pool and all your photos are at risk of disappearing. Then iCloud isn't a luxury anymore, it's your lifeline .
The funny thing is: once it's set up, you forget it's there. Until you need it. And then you forget those five minutes of setup time. Just like the charger you forgot to bring, but luckily it's still in your bag.
Useful links
- iPhone collection - if you are looking for a new device with iCloud support
- Accessories – handy for protecting your devices
- iPad collection - perfect for seamless synchronization with your iPhone
What exactly is iCloud?
iCloud is more than just cloud storage. It's the heart of the Apple ecosystem, connecting all your devices. From your photos to your notes, from your calendar to your passwords—everything is automatically synced across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even your Apple Watch. The best part is that you get 5GB of free storage by default. For most users, this is enough to get started.
The system works completely in the background. You don't even notice it until you need it. Then you suddenly realize how valuable that automatic syncing is. You take a photo on your iPhone and it instantly appears on your iPad. You add an appointment to your calendar on your Mac and your phone gives you a reminder.
Set up iCloud on your iPhone or iPad
Setting up iCloud is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Apple ID
Go to Settings and tap your name at the top. You'll immediately see whether you're signed in with your Apple ID. Don't have an account? You can create one here. It's best to use an email address you check regularly, as Apple sends important notifications to it.
Step 2: Activate iCloud
Tap "iCloud" in the menu. You'll now see an overview of all available services. Most options are enabled by default, but it's worth browsing through the list. Photos, contacts, calendars, and notes are essential. You can skip Mail if you're already using another email service.
Step 3: Set up iCloud Photos
This is probably the most important feature. Go to "Photos" and turn on "iCloud Photos." You have two options:
- Optimize iPhone storage: Keep smaller versions on your phone and the originals in iCloud
- Download and save originals: keep everything local on your device
For most users, the first option is ideal. You save space on your device without sacrificing quality.
Important settings you shouldn't miss
Find My iPhone
This feature is an absolute must-have. Not only can you find your lost phone, you can also remotely lock it or wipe it if it's stolen. Go to Settings > Your Name > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn everything on, including "Send Last Location."
iCloud backup
Automatic backups are your insurance against data loss. Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn on "Back Up This iPhone." Your device will now automatically back up every night when it's plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
Keychain
This underrated feature securely stores all your passwords and fills them in automatically. No more hassle with remembering login credentials. Enable it in Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Keychain.
Manage storage space
The free 5 GB can fill up quickly, especially with photos and videos. Regularly check your usage via Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Storage. This will show you exactly what's taking up space. WhatsApp backups are often the culprit. Consider disabling them or upgrading to a paid subscription:
- 50 GB for €0.99 per month
- 200 GB for €2.99 per month (shareable with family)
- 2 TB for €9.99 per month (shareable with family)
Synchronization between devices
The real benefit of iCloud comes when you use multiple Apple devices. Your Safari tabs sync automatically, so you can pick up where you left off on your iPhone on your Mac. Documents in Pages, Numbers, or Keynote are instantly available on all your devices. Even your clipboard syncs—copy something on your iPhone and paste it on your Mac.
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes syncing doesn't work as expected. Logging out and back in usually helps. Go to Settings > your name > Log out. Wait a moment, then log back in. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi during this process.
Are you getting notifications about low storage space? First, check your photos. They often contain duplicate photos or old screenshots that you can delete. The "Recently Deleted" folder also takes up space—you can empty it manually.
Privacy and security
Apple encrypts all your iCloud data, both in transit and at rest. For extra security, you can enable Advanced Data Protection. This means even Apple can't read your data, but be careful: if you forget your password, you'll lose access to your data.
It's wise to enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security. When someone tries to log into your account, they'll need not only your password but also access to one of your trusted devices.
Practical tips for daily use
Use shared albums in Photos to share vacation photos with family. Everyone can add photos and leave comments. Family Sharing is ideal for families—share purchases, subscriptions, and storage with up to six family members.
Use iCloud Drive as your personal archive. Scan important documents with your iPhone and store them securely in the cloud. They're searchable, so you'll always find what you're looking for. The Files app on your iPhone gives you instant access to all your documents.
Finally, don't forget to check your settings regularly. Apps can sometimes request iCloud access after updates. Decide which apps can access your cloud storage. Less is often more—not every app needs to sync.
The five minutes that can save everything
Setting up iCloud takes five minutes , but it will save you hours of frustration if something goes wrong. Whether you're buying a new iPhone or want to protect your current one, just turn it on.
Your photos are safe, your devices are discoverable, and your important documents are always within reach. It works quietly in the background, just as good technology should. Only when your phone falls in the water or your iPad gets lost do you realize the value of those few euros a month.
