Set up iCloud features on Mac
After you sign in with your Apple ID, you can select which 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 > Settings, click iMessage, click Settings, then select the Enable Messages in iCloud checkbox. For more information on using Messages in iCloud, see Access your messages on all your Apple devices.
To set up iCloud features on your iOS or iPadOS device, Apple TV, or Windows computer, see the Apple Support article Change which apps sync and store data with iCloud.
Turn iCloud features on or off
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
If you don’t see your name, click “Sign in with your Apple ID,” enter your Apple ID (or a Reachable At email address or phone number that you added in Apple ID settings), then enter your password. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one.
Click iCloud on the right.
Do any of the following (if a feature isn’t in the list, click Show All):
Click an iCloud feature (such as iCloud Drive or Mail), then turn on or off Sync this Mac.
If Sync this Mac isn’t shown, click Turn On or Turn Off.
Turn an iCloud feature (such as Calendars or Reminders) on or off.
Some features have additional settings you can change when the feature is on. Click the name of the feature, then adjust the settings.
Upgrade to iCloud+
Upgrade to iCloud+ to get more storage and premium features including iCloud Private Relay, a 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+ may not be available in all countries or regions. See the macOS Feature Availability webpage.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
If you don’t see your name, click “Sign in with your Apple ID,” enter your Apple ID (or a Reachable At email address or phone number that you added in Apple ID settings), then enter your password. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one.
Click iCloud on the right, then click Manage.
Click Change Storage Plan or Add Storage, then do one of the following:
Upgrade: Choose the amount of storage you want, click Subscribe to iCloud+ or Next, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Downgrade: Click Downgrade Options, then follow the onscreen instructions.
The downgrade takes effect after your current monthly or annual subscription ends. If you downgrade to 5 GB of storage, you lose access to iCloud+ features. If your iCloud storage exceeds your new storage plan capacity, iCloud won’t sync or update your information until you increase your storage capacity or delete information to make more space.
Turn on iCloud Photos
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
If you don’t see your name, click “Sign in with your Apple ID,” enter your Apple ID (or a Reachable At email address or phone number that you added in Apple ID settings), then enter your password. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one.
Click iCloud on the right, click Photos, then turn on Sync this Mac.
For more information about setting up iCloud in Photos, see Use iCloud Photos.
After you turn on iCloud Photos, you can use iCloud Shared Photo Library to collaborate with up to five family members or friends on a shared collection of photos and videos.
Turn on iCloud Keychain
If your Apple ID is set up for two-factor authentication and your Mac requires a login password, you’re finished setting up iCloud Keychain when you turn on Passwords & Keychain in iCloud settings. Otherwise, when you turn on Passwords & Keychain, you’re prompted to upgrade to use two-factor authentication. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up two-factor authentication, and make sure your Mac is set up to require a password.
For more information, see Set up iCloud Keychain to autofill information.
Turn on Find My Mac
When you turn on Find My Mac, you need to allow it to use the location of your Mac. See Set up Find My.
Note: iCloud features may vary by area. See the macOS Feature Availability webpage.
To set up iCloud on your iOS or iPadOS device or Windows computer, see Sign in to iCloud on all your devices in the iCloud User Guide.