How to Save to iCloud on iPhone or iPad

This wikiHow teaches you how to save app data, backups, and files from your iPhone or iPad to iCloud.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Saving Files to iCloud Drive

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    1
    Open the Files app. It’s the blue folder icon labeled “Files.” You’ll usually find it on the home screen. Use this method to add files from your iPhone to iCloud.
  2. Image titled Save to iCloud on iPhone or iPad Step 2
    2
    Navigate to the location of the file. Scroll down and tap the name of the folder that contains the file. You can also select one of your other cloud drives (if applicable).
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    Tap and hold the file name. Some options will appear in a black menu.
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    Tap the right-pointing arrow until you see “Share.”
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    Tap Share. A list of sharing options will appear.
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    Tap Save to Files. It’s the gray folder icon. You may have to swipe left across the icons at the bottom of the sharing list to find it.
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    Tap iCloud Drive. A list of folders on your iCloud will appear.
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    Tap the folder to which you want to save the file. The file’s name will appear at the top of the screen.
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    Tap Add. The selected file(s) will upload to the iCloud folder.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Syncing Apps and Data to iCloud

  1. Image titled Save to iCloud on iPhone or iPad Step 10
    1
    Open your iPhone or iPad’s Settings
    iPhone Settings App Icon
    .     You’ll usually find this app on your home screen.
    • Use this method to sync the data from different apps, including your contacts and messaging apps, to iCloud.
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    2
    Tap your Apple ID. It’s at the top of the menu (your name).
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    Tap iCloud.
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    Use the switches to select which apps save to iCloud.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Backing Up to iCloud

  1. Image titled Save to iCloud on iPhone or iPad Step 14
    1
    Open your iPhone or iPad’s Settings
    iPhone Settings App Icon
    .     You’ll usually find this app on your home screen.
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    2
    Tap your Apple ID. It’s at the top of the menu (your name).
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    3
    Tap iCloud.
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    4
    Tap iCloud Backup. The “Backup” screen will appear.
    • If the switch on this screen is On/green, your iPhone or iPad is already set up to back up to iCloud. If not, continue with this method.
  5. Image titled Save to iCloud on iPhone or iPad Step 18
    5
    Slide the switch to
    iPhone Switch On Icon
    .     The “Start iCloud Backup” confirmation window will appear, letting you know that if you continue, your iPhone or iPad will no longer back up to iTunes.
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    Tap OK. The switch is now on/green.
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    Tap Back Up Now. It’s the green link at the bottom of the screen. Your iPhone or iPad will now back up to iCloud.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 16,489 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: April 2, 2018
Views: 16,489
Categories: ICloud
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