Set up iCloud features on Mac
At any time after you sign in to your Apple ID preferences, you can select the iCloud features you want to use.
Important: To set up Messages in iCloud to share all your messages across devices, open Messages on your Mac, choose Messages > Preferences, click iMessage, then select the Enable Messages in iCloud checkbox. See Use Messages in iCloud.
To set up iCloud features on your iOS or iPadOS device, Apple TV, or Windows computer, see the Apple Support article Change your iCloud settings.
Turn iCloud features on or off
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
, then select iCloud in the sidebar.Select the app whose iCloud features you want to use. Deselect any app whose iCloud features you don’t want to use.
Some features have additional settings you can change by clicking Options or Details near the feature name when the feature is turned on.
If you select the Contacts feature while your Contacts app is synced with Google Contacts, Google syncing is turned off. You should keep it turned off while using iCloud for your contacts.
Upgrade to iCloud+ to get more storage and premium features including iCloud Private Relay (beta), a new service that protects your privacy online; Hide My Email, an easy way to create a unique, random email address anytime you need one; and expanded support for HomeKit Secure Video recording so you can set up more home security cameras. See What is iCloud+?
Note: iCloud Private Relay is currently in beta.
Turn on iCloud Photos
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
Select Photos.
For more information about setting up iCloud in Photos, see Use iCloud Photos.
Change iCloud Keychain options
If your Apple ID is set up for two-factor authentication, you are done setting up iCloud Keychain when you select it in the iCloud apps list. When you set up iCloud on a new device, you can allow the device to use your iCloud data simply by entering the login password or passcode on a device that already has iCloud set up.
Follow the instructions below if a Options button appears beside the iCloud Keychain option.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
Click the Options button next to Keychain, and select any of the following:
Whether your iCloud Security Code can be used to approve iCloud Keychain on new devices.
The iCloud Security Code and the phone number used to verify your identity after you use the iCloud Security Code.
If “Waiting for approval” appears below Keychain, click Options to enter your iCloud Security Code instead of approving this Mac from another device.
Change Find My Mac details
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
If “Location Services is off” appears below Find My Mac, click Details, then follow the onscreen instructions so you can locate this Mac.
You can upgrade to iCloud+ to get more iCloud storage and premium features. See What is iCloud+?
Note: iCloud+ may not be available in all countries or regions, and iCloud features may vary by area. See apple.com/icloud.
To set up iCloud on your iOS or iPadOS device or Windows computer, see Set up iCloud on all your devices in the iCloud User Guide.