Change iCloud preferences for your Apple ID on Mac
On your Mac, use iCloud preferences to select the iCloud features you want to use and manage iCloud storage. Learn how to set up your Apple ID iCloud settings.
To change these preferences, choose Apple menu 
, then select iCloud in the sidebar.
Open Apple ID preferences for me
Option | Description | ||||||||||
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Photos | Stores your photos and video using iCloud Photos in the Photos app so that you can access them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. Click Options to turn the following features on or off:
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Keychain | Stores secure information in iCloud Keychain so that you can save passwords, credit card numbers, and more in iCloud and access them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. If the Options button appears, click it to change:
If “Waiting for approval” appears below Keychain, click Options to enter your iCloud Security Code instead of approving this Mac from another device. If there isn’t an Options button next to Keychain, your Apple ID is set up for two-factor authentication. With two-factor authentication, your account can only be accessed on devices you trust. When you want to sign in to a new device for the first time, you need to provide two pieces of information—your password and the six-digit verification code that’s automatically displayed on your trusted devices. | ||||||||||
Private Relay | iCloud Private Relay (beta) is a service that lets you connect to virtually any network and browse with Safari in an even more secure and private way. You must be an iCloud+ subscriber to use iCloud Private Relay. See Use iCloud Private Relay. Note: iCloud Private Relay is currently in beta. | ||||||||||
Hide My Mail | With Hide My Email, you can generate unique, random email addresses that forward to your personal email account, so you don’t have to share your real email address when filling out a form on the web or signing up for a newsletter. You can create multiple generated email addresses and use them for different websites or email senders. You must be an iCloud+ subscriber to use Hide My Email. See Use Hide My Email. | ||||||||||
iCloud Drive | Stores and organizes your files in iCloud Drive so that you can access them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. Click Options to select:
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iCloud Mail | Stores your email using iCloud Mail in the Mail app so that you can access it on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Contacts | Stores your contacts in iCloud so that you can access them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Calendars | Stores your calendar information in iCloud so that you can access it on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Reminders | Stores your reminders in iCloud so that you can access them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Notes | Stores your notes in Cloud so that you can access them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Safari | Stores your open tabs in iCloud Tabs in the Safari app so that you can access them, as well as your reading list and bookmarks, on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Find My Mac | Allows Find My Mac to locate any device signed in with your Apple ID. You can lock and track a lost device, or remotely erase it. If “Location Services is off” appears below Find My Mac, click Details, then follow the onscreen instructions so you can locate this Mac. See Set up Find My. | ||||||||||
News | Stores your News information in iCloud so that you can access your followed channels and topics, saved stories, and reading history on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Stocks | Stores your stock watchlist information in iCloud so that you can view it on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Home | Allows internet communication through iCloud using the Home app so that you can control internet-connected home devices, including thermostats and plugs to window blinds, light bulbs, and more, on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Siri | Stores your Siri settings in iCloud so that you can use them on any device signed in with your Apple ID. | ||||||||||
Optimize Mac Storage | Specify that you want to store the full contents of iCloud Drive on your Mac if there is enough disk space. Older documents are stored only in iCloud when disk space is needed. See the Apple Support article Free up storage space on your Mac. | ||||||||||
Manage | Manage your iCloud storage. You can:
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Upgrade your Mac to iCloud+ to gain more iCloud storage and enhanced internet and security features. See What is iCloud+?
Note: iCloud requires an internet connection; some iCloud features have minimum system requirements. See the Apple Support article System requirements for iCloud. iCloud may not be available in all areas: iCloud features may vary by area.