How to sync iPhone and iPad using iCloud

iCloud keeps your photos, files, contacts, and other data up to date across your Apple devices. When you make a change on your iPhone, it can automatically appear on your iPad and Mac, provided each device is signed in to the same Apple Account.

This guide explains how to sync your iPhone and iPad with iCloud, how syncing differs from an iCloud backup, and how to use Documents to sync selected files between devices.

What is iCloud?

iCloud is Apple’s cloud service for storing and syncing data across devices. It works with apps and services such as Photos, iCloud Drive, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Messages, and device backups.

For example, a photo taken on your iPhone can appear automatically on your iPad, while a file saved to iCloud Drive can be opened from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a browser at iCloud.com.

You choose which apps and types of data use iCloud. To sync information between devices, each device must be signed in to the same Apple Account, connected to the internet, and have the relevant iCloud settings enabled.

What is the difference between iCloud and an Apple Account?

Your Apple Account is the account you use to access Apple services, including iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, iMessage, FaceTime, and more.

Apple Account is the current name for what was previously called an Apple ID. You can continue signing in with the same email address or phone number and password.

iCloud is one of the services connected to your Apple Account. To sync your iPhone and iPad, sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices.

What is the difference between iCloud syncing and iCloud Backup?

iCloud syncing keeps selected information continuously updated across your devices. For example, when you edit a contact or add a file to iCloud Drive on your iPhone, the change can appear on your iPad.

iCloud Backup saves information needed to restore your device or set up a new one. It can include device settings, app data, Home Screen organization, and other information that isn’t already syncing with iCloud.

Turning on iCloud Backup does not automatically enable syncing for every app. You need to configure syncing and backup separately.

How to sync iPhone and iPad with iCloud

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen. If you aren’t signed in, sign in with your Apple Account.
3. Tap iCloud.
4. Under Saved to iCloud, tap See All.
5. Select the apps and services you want to use with iCloud, such as Photos, iCloud Drive, Contacts, Calendars, or Notes.
6. Repeat these steps on your iPad and make sure it is signed in to the same Apple Account.

Once syncing is enabled, changes should appear across your devices. The initial sync may take some time, depending on the amount of data and the speed of your internet connection.

How to back up an iPhone or iPad to iCloud

To create an iCloud backup:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name, then tap iCloud.
3. Tap iCloud Backup.
4. Turn on Back Up This iPhone or Back Up This iPad.
5. To create a backup immediately, tap Back Up Now.

Keep your device connected to Wi-Fi until the backup is complete. Future backups can run automatically when the device is connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.

What is the difference between iCloud and iCloud+?

Every Apple Account includes 5GB of iCloud storage at no additional cost. This storage is shared between your iCloud backups, photos, files, messages, email, and other data stored in iCloud.

iCloud+ is Apple’s paid cloud subscription. It offers additional storage, with plans ranging from 50GB to 12TB, along with premium services such as:

• iCloud Private Relay: Helps protect your browsing activity in Safari by hiding your IP address and browsing information.
• Hide My Email: Creates unique, random email addresses that forward messages to your personal inbox.
• Custom Email Domain: Lets you use a domain you own with iCloud Mail.
• HomeKit Secure Video: Stores encrypted recordings from compatible home security cameras.
• Family Sharing: Lets you share your iCloud+ plan with up to five other family members.

Available plans, prices, and services vary by country or region. See Apple’s current iCloud+ plans and pricing for details.

How to sync selected files with Documents and iCloud

If you don’t want to sync your entire photo library or create a full device backup, Documents by Readdle lets you choose individual files and folders to store in iCloud Drive.

1. Download Documents for free and open the app.
2. Make sure iCloud Drive is enabled for Documents in your device’s iCloud settings.
3. In Documents, open the My Files section.
4. Tap Documents in iCloud.
5. Tap the + button to add files, or move existing files into this folder.
6. On your other device, sign in to the same Apple Account, enable iCloud Drive for Documents, and open the Documents in iCloud folder.

Files stored in this folder use your available iCloud storage. Choosing only the files you need can help you manage the free 5GB allowance, but it does not provide additional storage.

You can also use Documents to organize these files, access them offline, or connect other cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

Download Documents for free to organize and sync selected files across your iPhone and iPad.