Enable iCloud Drive on iPhone & iPad

iCloud Drive Accessibility on iOS Devices

Typically, Apple’s iCloud Drive functions seamlessly in the background on iPhone and iPad devices. However, iOS 9 introduced enhancements, making iCloud Drive more readily available and functionally robust.

Introducing the iCloud Drive App

A dedicated iCloud Drive application was implemented, allowing users to directly browse, view, and manage all files that are stored within their iCloud Drive account.

Previous Access Methods

Prior to iOS 9, accessing iCloud Drive was generally accomplished through Finder on a Mac, the iCloud for Windows application, or by visiting icloud.com via a web browser.

Now, the same level of access to your iCloud files is achievable directly on your iPhone or iPad.

Enhanced File Management

This update provides a centralized location for file management, streamlining the process of interacting with content stored in the cloud.

Users can now easily organize, share, and open files without relying on external platforms or applications.

Activating iCloud Drive

Further Reading: A Comprehensive Guide to Utilizing iCloud Drive and iCloud Photo Library

With iOS 9 on iPhone and iPad, a dedicated "iCloud Drive" application is available. This allows users to manage files in a manner similar to services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive.

Unlike other pre-installed iOS applications, iCloud Drive doesn’t automatically appear. It requires manual activation through the Settings application before becoming accessible. Notably, this activation option is unique to iCloud Drive; other system apps cannot be similarly hidden or shown.

To activate iCloud Drive, navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Select the "iCloud" section, then choose "iCloud Drive." Toggle the "Show on Home Screen" setting to the on position. This will generate an iCloud Drive icon on your home screen, allowing you to launch the app as you would any other.

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Navigating and Handling Files in iCloud Drive

Users familiar with cloud storage services like Dropbox will find the iCloud Drive app intuitive to use. The experience will also be consistent for those who have utilized iCloud Drive across macOS, Windows, or through a web browser.

Simply tap a file to open it. From there, options are available to relocate, remove, or distribute the file. Selecting multiple files simultaneously is also possible by tapping the "Select" function. Following this, the Delete or Move buttons facilitate bulk file management.

A dedicated Share button enables file distribution to other applications, printing capabilities, or transmission to contacts via AirDrop. Furthermore, the standard iOS share sheet provides access to a wider range of actions.

To adjust the file display, swipe down from the top of the screen. This action allows sorting by date, filename, or tags, and also enables view customization.

The amount of remaining storage space within your iCloud account is displayed at the bottom of the screen for easy monitoring.

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File Editing within iCloud Drive

Direct file editing isn't possible within the iCloud Drive interface itself. While files can be accessed through iCloud Drive, modifications require utilizing a separate application.

To initiate editing, users can open a file within iCloud Drive, then utilize the "Share" function to designate the desired application for export. However, this process may result in the creation of a duplicate file.

Accessing Files for Editing

For genuine file editing with its native application, it's recommended to launch the application directly. Attempting to open a file for editing directly from the iCloud Drive app often leads to a view-only experience.

For instance, selecting a Pages document from within the iCloud Drive app will not open it for editing in Pages. Instead, it presents a preview within the iCloud Drive environment.

To edit a Pages document, the Pages application must be opened independently, and the document accessed from within that application's interface.

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Important Note: Utilizing the share function may create a new copy of the file, while opening directly from the application ensures editing of the original document.

Addressing Gaps in Functionality

iCloud Drive, Apple’s cloud storage solution, offers a streamlined experience. While its capabilities are focused, it currently lacks features found in competing services like Google Drive, such as direct document editing within the app.

Despite this, the application serves as a unified hub for accessing, organizing, and sharing files stored in iCloud. Further development is needed for Apple to achieve parity with other prominent cloud platforms.

For instance, the process of recovering deleted files still necessitates a visit to the iCloud website.

The introduction of the iCloud Drive app resolves a previous limitation within iOS. Prior to this, users seeking a comprehensive view of their iCloud Drive content on iPhones or iPads were reliant on third-party applications.

Now, this functionality is natively integrated into the operating system, available to those who desire it.

Image Credit: Eduardo Woo on Flickr