Enabling and Using iCloud Drive for Desktop & Documents on macOS Sierra

May 12, 2025 • Proven solutions

macOS Sierra gives you the ability to store your Desktop and Documents folders directly in iCloud Drive. Every file you place in these folders counts against your iCloud storage quota. For example, if you have 1 GB of files on your Desktop and in Documents, you will need at least 1 GB of iCloud storage to keep them synced.

Apple’s free iCloud plan provides 5 GB of storage, which is often insufficient for many users. Fortunately, you can upgrade to 50 GB, 200 GB, or 1 TB plans for a reasonable monthly fee.

How to Turn on Desktop & Documents Access in iCloud Drive (macOS Sierra)

Enabling this feature is straightforward once you follow the steps below.

1. Click the Apple menu, choose System Preferences, then click iCloud.
2. Locate iCloud Drive at the top of the list, check its box, and click Options….
3. In the options window, you’ll see a list of apps that can store data in iCloud. Tick the box next to Desktop & Documents Folders.
4. Click Done to save your settings.

Once activated, any file you add to your Desktop or Documents folders will automatically upload to iCloud Drive. The time it takes to sync depends on the number of files and your internet speed.

Accessing Desktop & Documents on iOS Devices

If you have an iPhone or iPad, your Desktop and Documents files are available through the iCloud Drive app, provided iCloud Drive is enabled.

1. Open the Settings app, tap your name, then select iCloud → iCloud Drive.
2. Ensure the toggle is on.
3. Open the Files app and navigate to the iCloud Drive section to view your folders and files.

Accessing Desktop & Documents from Another Mac

To view the same Desktop and Documents folders on a different Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud and make sure iCloud Drive is checked.
2. Open a Finder window, click Go in the menu bar, then choose iCloud Drive. You can also press Shift + Command + I to open iCloud Drive directly.
3. Within iCloud Drive, you will see Desktop and Documents folders that mirror the contents of your original Mac.

Note for non‑Sierra Macs: Files will not sync automatically unless you are running macOS Sierra or later. In that case, you need to manually copy or move files into the Desktop and Documents folders inside iCloud Drive.

macOS Sierra is currently in beta, so some behaviors may change in future releases. However, the steps outlined above will remain largely the same.

In summary, using iCloud Drive for Desktop and Documents on macOS Sierra offers a seamless way to keep your files accessible across devices without the clutter of physical backups.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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