Syncing your Apple iPhone, iPod or iPad with iCloud is an easy process, once you know what steps to take.

We originally posted this blog with the iOS 6 interface, so today we're updating it to the new look of iOS 8.

It will be the same step-by-step process with numbered instructions, and visual aids. I promise it'll be easier than putting together Ikea furniture, and you'll probably never need to look at this post again!

The below instructions are good for all generations of Apple iPhone, iPod and iPad.

Did you know that our MelroseTEC team provides solutions to help organizations address and resolve all sorts of issues related to technology, infrastructure, storage, software, and engineering? Interested in learning more? Visit our MelroseTEC section and start solving your business and operational challenges.

Step 1:  Choose the Settings button from your home screen

The location of your "Settings" app may vary if changes have been made to the location of your apps.

Step 2: Within Settings, scroll down to “iCloud” and select it.

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID and password.

Note: this is the same email/password you use to buy apps and/or songs from the iTunes and App Store. If you do not have one, you will have an option to create a new Apple ID on the bottom of this screen. Once you have entered your Apple ID and password, press “Sign In”

Step 4: Merge your data

The iCloud sync option screen will appear. You will be prompted to either “Merge” or “Don’t Merge”. Merge means that your content (contacts, calendar events, bookmarks, etc) from both your iCloud account and your iOS device will exchange information. For example: if you have one contact on your phone and four contacts on your iCloud account, both iCloud and the phone will end up with the same 5 contacts. If you choose “Don’t Merge”, content from iCloud will replace what you have on your iOS device (using the same example as above, “Don’t Merge” will overwrite the one contact on your phone and you will end up with the four contacts from iCloud and lose the one that was on the phone). It is always recommended to “Merge”. 

Did you know that at MelroseTEC we partner with our clients to design and deliver timely, cost-effective, and quality technology solutions that help you succeed in your business? Interested in learning more? Visit our MelroseTEC section and start solving your business and operational challenges.

Step 5: Set your Location Preference

You will then be prompted to either “OK” or “Don’t Allow” iCloud to use the location of your iOS device. Choosing “OK” will enable the Find My iPhone/iPad feature on the device which allows you to log into any iOS device or computer and locate, lock, remote wipe, and send a message to your iOS device. It is strongly recommended to enable this feature. 

Step 6: Set up an @icloud.com Email to sync Notes

At this point, your iOS device will sync its content. By default the sync Notes feature will not be turned on unless your Apple ID is an @me.com or @icloud.com account. If you would like to sync notes, and your Apple ID is not one of these types of email accounts, simply turn on the sync Notes option and you will be prompted to create a free @icloud.com account. Step 7: Back up your data iCloud offers the option the backup your content to iCloud. This should be done to save your camera roll, text messages, settings, and anything that isn’t synced to iCloud (except for media such as music, videos, and podcasts). The likelihood of needing this is slim but it should be used just in case you lose or break your iOS device, or if you buy a new one and want to keep the apps, music, videos, etc., that you've already downloaded.

To use this feature, scroll down in the iCloud settings and select “Storage and Backup”. You will notice that, by default, “iCloud Backup” is turned off. Simply press the button to turn it on.

A message will appear notifying you that iCloud backup is turned on. Your iOS device will no longer backup automatically to iTunes when connected. Press OK to continue.

At MelroseTEC our team of experts provide solutions that help organizations address and resolve all sorts of issues related to technology, infrastructure, storage, software, and engineering. Interested in learning more? Visit our MelroseTEC section and start solving your business and operational challenges.

Once turned on, your iOS device will backup whenever it is: a) connected to to power b) connected to a Wi-Fi network. You can also choose to back it up anytime you choose by pressing the “Back Up Now” button. Backup times may vary.

And, you're ready to roll! If you have any trouble, don't hesitate to stop at either of our Los Angeles locations (Hollywood & Burbank) and grab one of our Service Coordinators. We're happy to help!

You can also visit our website, or you can call 323.937.4600.