If you're looking for a more secure cloud storage solution, moving your files from iCloud to Sync is a great choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to transfer your files from iCloud, including:
- Transferring your files from iCloud using the web browser
- Transferring your files from iCloud using the desktop application
- FAQs
Transferring your files from iCloud using the web browser
This approach is best if you wish to transfer only specific files or folders, offering greater flexibility and control over what content is moved. If you're transferring a large data set, skip to the next section.
1. Download your files from iCloud.com
- Sign in to iCloud.com
- Open iCloud Drive.
-
Open iCloud Drive (or Photos if you’re downloading pictures) and select the files you would like to transfer.
- Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) to select multiple files.
- Once you have your files selected, click the Download (
) icon at the top of the page.
- The file will be saved in your device’s default Downloads location.
2. Upload your files to Sync
- Install the Sync desktop app on your computer. This will create a Sync folder on your computer.
Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
Drag or copy the downloaded files into the Sync folder.
The Sync app will automatically upload your files to your account.
Transferring your files from iCloud using the desktop application
For larger data sets, this method is the quickest way to transfer your files into Sync.
- Install the Sync desktop app. This will create a Sync folder on your computer.
- If you don't already have the iCloud desktop app installed, install it now.
- Ensure all your iCloud files are available offline (downloaded to your computer). You'll need about twice as much free space on your computer to ensure all your iCloud files can be transferred. To make all your iCloud files available offline:
- Open File Explorer (Win + E).
- Navigate to your iCloud folder.
- Select the files or folders you're going to transfer.
- Right-click and select, Always keep on this device.
- Verify that your files have fully synced and are up to date.
- Now that all your iCloud files have downloaded to your computer, you can move them to Sync:
- Open two File Explorer windows side by side.
- In one window, open the iCloud folder.
- In the other, open the Sync folder.
- Drag or copy files from iCloud to Sync.
- The Sync app will automatically upload your files to your account.
- Install the Sync desktop app. This will create a Sync folder on your computer.
- Open iCloud Drive from the search bar.
- Locate the files or folders you want to transfer.
- Right-click and choose Copy or drag them to your desktop or another temporary folder outside of the iCloud Drive. (This ensures they’re fully downloaded from iCloud before transferring.)
- You'll need about twice as much free space on your computer to ensure all your iCloud files can be transferred.
- Open your Sync folder.
- Drag and drop the files from your desktop (or temporary folder) into Sync.
- The Sync app will automatically upload your files to your account.
FAQs:
Can I transfer files directly from iCloud to Sync without downloading them?
No, iCloud does not offer direct integration with Sync. You must first download your files to your local device and then upload them to Sync.
Can I place the iCloud folder inside the Sync folder?
No, placing the iCloud folder inside the Sync folder (or vice versa) can cause syncing conflicts and unexpected behavior. Keep both folders separate to ensure smooth and uninterrupted file transfers.
How long does it take to transfer files from iCloud to Sync?
The transfer speed with Sync can reach up to 40 Megabits per second (5 Megabytes per second) per thread. However, the total transfer time depends on factors like the size of your files, your internet speed, and whether you're using the web or desktop apps.