iCloud is Apple'south remote storage and cloud computing service, and allows you to access your photos, contacts, e-mail, bookmarks and documents anywhere you can go online. It's a useful and - if y'all can manage with the pretty stingy storage resource allotment - free set of services, available to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple tree TV or Mac; even Windows PC owners tin get involved.

In this commodity nosotros explicate how to gear up up iCloud on any of those devices. We testify how to sign up for an Apple tree ID and iCloud account, and how to activate iCloud in general, and for specific services.

Create an Apple tree ID

Your iCloud account is based on your Apple ID. So if you lot haven't got an Apple ID already, you'll need to create ane. If yous've already got an Apple ID, yous can skip alee to the next section (or the one for your device).

There's two ways to sign up for an Apple ID: on your iPad or iPad, equally part of the device'southward setup process, or in a browser on any device at any time.

If you're setting upwards a new iPad or new iPhone, the simplest choice is to create an Apple tree ID so and there. At the appropriate moment during setup, tap 'Don't have an Apple tree ID or forgot information technology', and 'Create A Gratuitous Apple ID'. And so enter your details.

But you lot don't need to be on an Apple device, or even own an Apple tree device, to create an Apple ID: everyone, even curious Windows or Linux users, tin create an account. You simply have to visit the ID department of Apple's website and click Create Your Apple ID at the meridian right.

Nosotros walk y'all through the procedure in more detail here: How to create an Apple ID.

Update your device to the latest OS

Apple tree advises you to brand sure the device you'll be using iCloud services on is running the nearly contempo version of its respective OS. (Newer versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS may add extra iCloud features, fix bugs or tweak the way it works.) If your device is make-new you shouldn't need to update its OS, although it's still worth checking in case some bug fixes take been released since it was boxed up.

For iPads and iPhones, go to Settings > Full general > Software Update. iOS or iPadOS will either tell you that the operating system is up to engagement, or give y'all details of a newer version and let you download and install information technology. Read more virtually updating iOS on iPad or iPhone.

How to set up iCloud: Update iOS

On Apple TV, open the Settings app, curl down and select 'Organization' and then, under the Maintenance submenu, click on 'Software updates'. Select 'Update Software' and the new update will be downloaded to the Apple TV. After a while you'll see a tvOS update prompt: select 'Download and Install'. Read more about updating tvOS on Apple TV.

To update macOS, open up the App Store and run a search for the latest version (at time of writing it's macOS Catalina, but just searching for macOS will by and large return what you're looking for in the first couple of results). Click Download. For smaller point updates - rather than installing an entirely new version of macOS - you tin just click the Apple icon at the superlative-left corner of the screen, and select About This Mac. Click Software Update. Read more almost updating macOS.

How to set up iCloud on Mac: Update to macOS Catalina

Turn on iCloud on iPad, iPhone or iPod bear on

It's piece of cake to switch on iCloud. As with signing up for an Apple ID, this tin be done during the setup process for your Apple device, or afterwards if yous declined the option initially.

Partway through the setup process for an iPhone or iPad, iOS will inquire if you lot want to use iCloud. (Yous'll be given the self-explanatory options 'Utilise iCloud' and 'Don't use iCloud'.) You'll just need to tap Use iCloud, enter your Apple tree ID and password, and proceed from there.

How to set up iCloud on iPad

If you didn't activate it during setup, you tin can do this later in the Settings app.

Tap the headshot picture at the top of the main page (or top of the left cavalcade). This volition show your name and/or face, or a blank face and the words 'Sign in to your [device]', depending on whether you're signed in. If you're not signed in, you lot'll be asked to enter your Apple tree ID and password, and mayhap your passcode too.

Now tap iCloud and follow the onscreen instructions.

Turn on iCloud on Apple tree Tv set

Setting upwardly iCloud on the fourth-gen or 4K Apple TV (earlier models don't offer this feature) is easy. When you outset turn on the Apple tree Television yous'll be asked for your Apple ID and countersign. Make full in your details and y'all'll exist able to utilize iCloud for photo sharing, iTunes Match and diverse other features.

If you didn't enter your Apple tree ID when you first fix up, you tin can practise and so past going to Settings > Accounts > iCloud, then selecting Sign In.

Turn on iCloud on Mac

Open System Preferences and click iCloud. On the next screen you'll be able to sign in with your Apple ID (or sign out), and tick the iCloud services you desire to apply on your Mac.

How to set up iCloud on Mac: System Preferences

Turn on iCloud on PC

It'southward a bit trickier, but even Windows PC users can benefit from iCloud services.

You need to download iCloud for Windows and install it. Open up the program, and sign in with your Apple ID.

As with iCloud on the Mac, yous can then decide which iCloud services you want to apply: iCloud Drive, photograph sharing, Mail/Contacts/Calendars, and internet bookmarks. Put a tick next to the ones that appeal.

How to set up iCloud on a Windows PC

There! You're all ready up and prepare to go. For advice on getting the nigh out of the service, read How to utilise iCloud. And if yous decide it'southward non for you lot, accept a look at our guide to the All-time alternatives to iCloud.