Why is iCloud so unintuitive to set up the way I want?

Question

Why is iCloud so unintuitive to set up the way I want?

So I have a Mac, an iPad and an iPhone.

I want some, but not all of my documents synced between all 3 devices.

So, when exploring iCloud in the preferences app (yes, I have an old version of MacOS on a fully functioning 10-year old intel MacBook Pro)… I foolishly checked the iCloud Drive check box and was instantly surprised that the sync started immediately, with no warning … and horrified to see my files and folders disappear before my eyes like a malware attack from the 80’s.

Q1: I think I should have clicked options (on the right) before clicking the checkbox (on the left) to set my choices.

But I’m not sure the options button existed before I checked the checkbox.

Q2: I wasn’t expecting that checking a checkbox would be the “Do it” command.

After checking the iCloud Drive checkbox, I was expecting some sort of dialog box to guide me through the choices: back up everything or back up some things.

And syncing would start only after I clicked on a button-shaped button, perhaps labelled “Start Sync”.

Q3: how are we supposed to know that my files have been moved to an iCloud Drive (Archive) folder in my home folder, rather than having been deleted?

When I see my folders (and all my work) disappear one by one from the side bar, my first reaction is to panic.

Q4: am I really the only one confused by the new way Apple does things?

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Oct 4, 2025 11:14 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Oct 5, 2025 7:06 AM in response to RichTeaBisquits

I'd pay the $3 for a month of iCloud storage to use while researching how iCloud Drive works and how I'd really want to use it. A small price for clarity, I think.

Here's a start:

Understanding iCloud Drive - Apple Community

Reply

Answer 2

Oct 6, 2025 8:51 AM in response to RichTeaBisquits

RichTeaBisquits wrote: … you can change this.

I don't see how you think that I or other people here can change iCloud. We are not Apple; folks who read these posts are just users like you. Some of us hang around here from time to time in case our experience may help someone. We don't get paid and we don't have a schedule, and the Apple engineers don’t read the stuff, here.

If you would like to make suggestions to Apple, go here:

Feedback - iCloud - Apple

Reply

Answer 3

Oct 6, 2025 8:32 AM in response to Richard.Taylor

I have paid… been paying for years… it wasn’t obvious that Documents and Desktop are set to sync by default… and that you can change this.

it’s taken me 3 attempts to figure out how it works.

the point I’m making is that we shouldn’t have to experiment with how iCloud works, it should be easier to use… or at least… easy to understand how it works… easier to find the information that explains how it works.

Reply