Ever wondered how to sync your iPhone stuff with iCloud without sending everything to the cloud? It’s pretty simple, really. Just a few taps in your settings and you’ll be choosing what to sync in no time.
You can also watch this video about how to select what to sync with iCloud on an iPhone for additional information.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Choose What to Sync with iCloud on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re achieving here. iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service, and it’s super handy for keeping your data safe and accessible across devices. But not everything needs to be stored in the cloud, right? That’s why we’re going to pick and choose what gets synced.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
The Settings app is where all the magic happens. It’s the control center for your iPhone, allowing you to tweak and tune everything to your liking.
Step 2: Tap Your Name
Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu.
This takes you to your Apple ID menu, which is the gateway to iCloud and all things related to your Apple account.
Step 3: Tap iCloud
Tap the iCloud option.
Here’s where you’ll see a list of all the different types of data you can sync with iCloud.
Step 4: Choose What to Sync
Toggle the switches next to each app or service to choose what to sync.
Each toggle switch corresponds to an app or service on your iPhone. If the switch is green, it’s syncing with iCloud. If it’s grey, it’s not.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will sync the selected data to iCloud. This means that the information will be updated across all your devices that are logged into the same iCloud account. It also means that if you lose your phone, the data you’ve chosen to sync will still be safe and sound in the cloud.
Tips: Choosing What to Sync with iCloud on iPhone
- Only sync what you need to save space in your iCloud storage.
- Remember that photos and videos take up a lot of space, so consider whether you really need to sync all of them.
- Use iCloud Drive to store specific documents and files instead of syncing entire apps.
- Consider using iCloud for important data like contacts and calendars to ensure they’re always backed up.
- Review your iCloud settings regularly to make sure you’re not syncing unnecessary data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I turn off iCloud sync for an app?
If you turn off iCloud sync for an app, any data it had stored in iCloud will be removed from the cloud, but it will remain on your device.
Will I lose data if I change my iCloud sync settings?
No, you won’t lose data on your device by changing your iCloud sync settings. You may lose the data from the cloud, but it will remain on your device.
Can I access my iCloud-synced data on other devices?
Yes, as long as you’re logged into the same iCloud account, you can access your synced data across all your Apple devices.
How much iCloud storage do I have?
Every iCloud account comes with 5 GB of free storage. You can purchase more storage if needed.
Can I share my iCloud storage with my family?
Yes, with Apple’s Family Sharing, you can share your iCloud storage plan with up to five other family members.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap Your Name
- Tap iCloud
- Choose What to Sync
Conclusion
Choosing what to sync with iCloud on your iPhone is a personal decision that depends on what data you deem important. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing you to have control over your cloud storage. By following the steps outlined above, you can effortlessly select the apps and services you want to sync, and adjust your preferences as needed. Remember, the key to a well-managed iCloud account is regular review and adjustment of your sync settings. With a thoughtful approach to what you sync, you’ll keep your valuable data secure and your iCloud storage uncluttered. So go ahead, take control of your digital life and sync smart with iCloud!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.