How to Sync Desktop and Documents Folder to iCloud on Mac
Jun 19, 2025 am 09:39 AMAre you looking to access the files on your Mac's desktop and in the documents folder from all your Apple devices? You can easily set this up using iCloud. Specifically, there’s an optional feature within iCloud Drive in macOS that allows for syncing your desktop and documents folders to iCloud.
Given that many Mac users also own other Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads, it makes sense they’d want to access their computer files no matter which device they’re using at the moment. For example, if you have a work-related file saved on your Mac's desktop but need to edit it on your iPad, enabling iCloud Drive sync ensures seamless transitions between devices, allowing continuous access and editing of those files.
Some users might prefer turning off this functionality, but if you're comfortable storing your data in iCloud, this can be a powerful tool.
How to Enable iCloud Desktop and Documents on Mac
You don't necessarily need the latest software update to take advantage of this feature since it's available across recent versions of macOS. However, ensure that you are signed into your Apple account before proceeding:
- Click the ? Apple menu located in the upper left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the drop-down options.
- The System Preferences window will open. Choose your name or the “Apple ID” option next to your account name.
- Navigate to the iCloud section from the left-hand pane to view your iCloud settings.
- In this menu, first verify that iCloud Drive is enabled. Then click on “Options” to continue.
- Check the box labeled “Desktop & Documents Folders” as shown below, and click “Done” to confirm your changes.
That’s all you need to do.
It may take some time for iCloud to finish syncing all the files in your Desktop and Documents folders. Once completed, you'll be able to access these files on other Apple devices like your iPhone and iPad via the built-in Files app. Simply navigate to the iCloud Drive section in the Files app, and you’ll find them listed.
Any modifications made to these files through the Files app will be instantly synced across all your devices—including your Mac—via iCloud. Remember, you must be logged into your Apple account on all your devices to access these files.
Additionally, within the iCloud Drive options menu, you can toggle the syncing feature on or off for other compatible apps installed on your Mac. By default, iCloud sync is activated for apps such as Mail, TextEdit, Preview, and more.
We hope you found this iCloud Drive syncing feature helpful for accessing your Mac files remotely via your iPhone or iPad. What are your thoughts on this convenient function? How often do you access files from your Mac on other devices? Feel free to share your insights and feedback in the comments section below.
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