How to Browse Your iCloud Drive Documents in the Files App

By Tamlin Day Updated 09/26/2019

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With the Files app, you can use your iPhone to view notes, images, documents, and files that you've saved from your computer or iPad to iCloud and other storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive. To view saved items using the Files app, you'll need to go to your Apple ID in the Settings app and enable iCloud Drive. Let's get started with how to use the Files app to access documents saved to iCloud Drive.

Related: How to Set Up iCloud Drive

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How to Browse Your iCloud Drive Documents in the Files App

First, you'll need to enable iCloud Drive on the device you'll be using to create your files; for example, your Mac.

To enable iCloud Drive on a Mac:

Click on the Apple icon and select System Preferences.
Select iCloud.

You'll see a list features to enable. Make sure there's a blue checkmark next to iCloud Drive.

Next, you need to enable iCloud Drive on your iPhone.

Go to Settings and open your Apple ID.
Tap iCloud and toggle on iCloud Drive.

Open the Files app.
Select iCloud drive to browse your files.

Now, you can use the Files app to browse items saved to your iCloud Drive.

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Topics

Productivity & Business

Author Details

Tamlin Day

Tamlin Day is a feature web writer for iPhone Life and a regular contributor to iPhone Life magazine. A prolific writer of tips, reviews, and in-depth guides, Tamlin has written hundreds of articles for iPhone Life. From iPhone settings to recommendations for the best iPhone-compatible gear to the latest Apple news, Tamlin's expertise covers a broad spectrum.

Before joining iPhone Life, Tamlin received his BFA in Media & Communications as well as a BA in Graphic Design from Maharishi International University (MIU), where he edited MIU's literary journal, Meta-fore. With a passion for teaching, Tamlin has instructed young adults, college students, and adult learners on topics ranging from spoken word poetry to taking the perfect group selfie. Tamlin's first computer, a Radioshack Color Computer III, was given to him by his father. At 13, Tamlin built his first PC from spare parts. He is proud to put his passion for teaching and tech into practice as a writer and educator at iPhone Life.

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