Change which apps sync and store data with iCloud

In your iCloud settings, you can choose which apps on your device sync and store data with iCloud. Learn how to change your iCloud settings, or turn off iCloud completely. 

When you turn on iCloud for an app, its information is safely stored in iCloud and automatically kept in sync across your devices. When you turn it off, the app no longer connects with iCloud, so your data exists only on your device.

You can choose which apps on your device you'd like to use iCloud, or turn off iCloud completely


Choose which apps to use with iCloud

After you sign in to iCloud on your devices, learn how to find your iCloud settings on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC.

On your iPhone or iPad

  1. Go to Settings > your name. 
  2. Tap iCloud.
  3. Under Apps Using iCloud, tap to choose which apps you want to use iCloud. If you don't see an app, tap Show All to see the full list. 

On your Mac

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings or choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Apple ID.
  2. Click iCloud.
  3. Under Apps Using iCloud, click to choose which apps you want to use with iCloud. If you don't see an app, click Show More Apps to see the full list. 

Some features aren't available or are listed differently in earlier macOS versions. 

On your Windows PC

  1. Open iCloud for Windows.
  2. Click the arrow  next to each app that you want to sync with iCloud, then turn it on.
  3. Click Done.

Some features aren’t available on your PC, or are listed differently, depending on whether your computer has Microsoft Outlook 2016 or earlier installed. iCloud Reminders are called Tasks in Outlook 2016 or later.

If you have Outlook installed

Use iCloud Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks in Outlook. If you turn off Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks, the iCloud information remains available in Microsoft Outlook, but it isn’t updated in iCloud and on your other devices.

If you don't have Outlook installed

Use iCloud Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders in your web browser on iCloud.com.


Turn off iCloud

If you sign out of iCloud, iCloud no longer syncs your data or backs up the information on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. To keep your information safe, back up your device with your Mac or PC

To stop using iCloud on your devices, learn how to sign out of iCloud

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