What the iCloud is? Why you should have an iCloud email address? How to set up iCloud on your iPhone. Recovery options. FAQs
MacOS and iOS programs are often lauded for their simplicity and user friendliness. However, understanding and mastering the iCloud can be tricky. Especially when it comes to connecting your iPad, iPhone, Mac and other devices to the same Apple ID.
Odds are when you set up your Apple ID, you attached it to a then-current email address rather than opening a new iCloud email. Many of us, however, lose these email addresses to life’s milestones (graduating college, changing jobs, etc.) which ultimately results in a disconnect between our current devices.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh inbox or just a way to connect your iPhone and iPad, there is a simple solution: to set up an iCloud email.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Perhaps most importantly, an iCloud email address can ensure that all your favorite apps are synced between your current devices and carried over when you upgrade. So let’s jump right into out comprehensive guide on iCloud email setup.
In short, the iCloud is one distinct brand of cloud based storage.
Cloud based technology works similarly to the device based storage you’re familiar with, except that it is remote. Rather than plugging in an external hard drive or USB stick to your computer, cloud storage systems work by sending data to and from your device over the internet.
While it seems like an amorphous and ambiguous way of tracking your digital belongings (i.e. files, emails, applications, etc.), cloud storage has some major advantages:
An iCloud email address allows you to backup 5GBs of data for free. Like most other free services, the iCloud comes with a premium version. The most straightforward and common uses of the iCloud include:
So basically, an iCloud email address is what allows you to transfer your preferences and necessities between devices. This can be done with an Apple ID that is connected to a non-iCloud email address. However, having an iCloud email address is the least complicated way to navigate life with your Apple devices.
We all know there are occasional Mac users and diehard Apple fans. No matter which side of the scale you fall on, the iCloud comes with all the perks of a fully integrated professional, entertainment, and personal routine. How? By syncing the following necessity and luxury devices:
Why paint yourself into a corner with just Mac devices? iCloud also functions perfectly well on Windows. This gives you the added advantage of syncing photos, files, passwords and more exclusively using your iCloud email address.
Tangential Tech Questions: Ever wonder why less video games are available on Mac? Well, the answer is one part marketing and one part programming. Apple devices are designed with simplicity, task orientation, and creative pursuits in mind.
Therefore, the operating system just doesn’t mesh with most modern gaming. Pennywise Mac users looking to game can circumvent this by installing Windows right to their laptop rather than purchasing a PC or console.
Business and personal email addresses come and go, but Apple is (seemingly) forever. Savvy Apple aficionados and casual iPhone/iPad users alike benefit from the simplicity having a dedicated @icloud.com email provides.
With your iCloud email address you can:
All without wondering if your important files, contacts, and applications have carried over fully. If you’ve ever been locked out of a school or business email that’s linked to a third party account you know exactly what I mean.
The iCloud has evolved far past a simple inbox into a lifestyle enhancer. When you set up your iCloud email on your iPad and/or iPhone you are rewarded with the following features:
You may or may not already have an iCloud email address. However, if you’re already an Apple user, you most definitely have an Apple ID that’s connected to another email account.
While no one really wants one more email address, using an iCloud email for the sole purpose of linking your devices is reasonable. I hear you saying “but setting up an Apple ID and iCloud email address and then syncing my devices seems like a time sink.”
Well, thankfully Apple has woven the process of creating an iCloud email address into the steps it takes to connect a device to the cloud.
Here’s the basic rundown of how to create your iCloud WHILE getting your iPhone, iPad, and other Mac paraphanalia on the same metaphorical page:
The first step can be the most deceptive. While accessing the correct settings on any Apple device can seem like a convoluted riddle, there are some tricks you can use to hasten the process.
You may find it as easy as “Settings → iCloud.”
However, if finding where to log into or set up your iCloud account remains elusive, simply use the Settings Search Bar.
You can even eliminate the middleman by simply accessing your device’s search bar right from its home screen.
Automatic backups keep your data stored and updated in iCloud in case of an emergency. iCloud automatically backs up your phone every time it’s plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi—making it easy to keep everything up to date.
You can turn off backup for any apps that you don’t want to be included in your automatic backup. This can also help conserve iCloud storage space.
Before embarking on Step 2, double check if you already have an iCloud email account you want to sync up to. Consider, however, that starting from scratch could be a fulfilling option. This could be a fresh start or the foundation for merging all your scattered memories, work, and creations in one place.
IF you already have an iCloud email you’ll need:
IF you are creating a new iCloud email OR forgot your Apple ID:
To create your Apple ID and/or iCloud email address follow these steps:
So make it memorable!
Shameless Plug: For extra spam and promotional email management you can also try out our Canary Mail features such as 1-Click Unsubscribe.
These steps are best completed on an iPhone, computer, or iPad (aka wherever the keyboard feels most comfortable for you). To cover all your bases, though, check out Apple’s article on the subject.
Upon signing in to your Apple ID for the first time, you’ll be asked if you want to merge your contacts with the iCloud. Doing so will ensure that all your vital numbers, email addresses, etc. saved on your iPhone or iPad will be transferred to other devices signed in to the same account.
Here’s a simplified version of the steps we’ve just outlined:
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch follow these steps to access your iCloud information:
Settings > [your name] > iCloud
From there,it’s all just a matter of turning on the “Use on this [your device type]” feature.
Still struggling to access the iCloud? There’s a chance your device might need upgraded software. Check here for the system requirements by both device and feature.
Like any software, iCloud’s uses extend far beyond simple back-ups. Plus, while 5GB sounds enormous, you’d be surprised how quickly it gets filled up.
At first glance, the variety of settings and uses may seem daunting, but they are worth learning more about. Here are the three most important settings to keep track of:
This details how much storage you have access to and exactly what is taking up those precious gigabytes.
On top of managing your music and apps, this is where the subscription-based corporate pirates have buried the cancellation button. So, if you’ve been looking to free yourself of some tedious or useless subscriptions this is the place to do so.
Family Sharing is a great tool that allows up to five people access to the same Apple services (Apple News+, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, etc). These individuals are also able to share an iCloud storage plan that will even keep each person’s digital belongings private.
Just because an iPhone can remember your face, doesn’t mean you’ll never need your Passcode or Password.
Even if you use two-factor authentication, you may reach a point where you cannot sign in or reset your password. There are a couple of options to recover your account before and after it’s been locked:
Visiting an Apple Store or using a trusted friend/family member’s device are the most straightforward options in the moment. Fair warning, though, recovering your account on your own can take several days or longer. That’s why it’s best to prepare for this scenario with an account recovery contact.
An account recovery contact will verify your identity and help you regain both your account and the data stored therein. While not required, it is highly recommended.
This contact must have an iOS device with certain system requirements (iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey or later).
This trusted Apple user won’t be able to access your account, but they will be able to give you the code needed for recovery.
Need some digital space from your child, but are concerned about their internet habits? The iCloud can help by allowing you to create an Apple ID that is connected to your Family Sharing network.
Yes and no. In most global regions, children under 13 cannot create an Apple ID on their own. You can, however, create an account for them that allows you to moderate your minor childrens’ screen time, content, and communication with online strangers. For an in-depth how-to on setting up your child’s Apple ID and iCloud account click here.
Apple boasts a wide set of parental controls that are so lowkey your child won’t even mind (if they notice at all). These include:
For a more extensive list click here.
Here at Canary we know that having multiple email accounts can be tedious. That’s why we’ve combined our uniquely powerful and simple email encryption service with seamless inbox management. Try our Canary Mail app for iOS and MacOS today to take advantage of our color coded merged-inbox.
