How to control which apps have access to iCloud Drive in iOS 10 and macOS Sierra
- jan
- 27
You don't have to let your apps sync data to iCloud. You can revoke access and keep everything stored locally if you want.
Many third-party iOS apps work with iCloud Drive to save and sync your data across multiple devices: This is great if you're working on your iPhone and want to switch over to your iPad without losing your data, and it can also be a life saver if something goes wrong with your local device. But that doesn't mean every app gets to play in the iCloud sandbox.
There may be some apps that you just don't want storing information in iCloud. Luckily, Apple gives us the ability to decide which third-party apps should store our data in iCloud, and which ones shouldn't. It's easy to give and revoke access; here's how.
- How to revoke third-party app access to iCloud Drive on iPhone and iPad
- How to revoke third-party app access to iCloud Drive on Mac
How to revoke third-party app access to iCloud Drive on iPhone and iPad
If you don't want certain apps storing your data in iCloud, you can revoke access to iCloud Drive. Data will instead be stored locally on your iPhone or iPad.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on iCloud.
- Tap on iCloud Drive.
Scroll down the list and toggle the switch Off for any app you want to prevent accessing iCloud Drive.
If you later change your mind, just follow the instructions above and toggle the switches On.
How to revoke third-party app access to iCloud Drive on Mac
If you revoke access to iCloud Drive on your Mac, data will instead be stored locally on your computer's hard drive.
- Click on the Apple () icon in the top left corner of your Mac.
Click on System Preferences.
Click on iCloud.
- Click on Options... next to iCloud Drive.
- Uncheck the apps you don't want to have access to iCloud Drive.
Click Done and close out of Settings.
If you later change your mind, just follow the instructions above and toggle the switches On.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about giving and removing access for third-party apps to access iCloud Drive to store your data? Let us know in the comments.
