How to Sync Your iPhone and iPad (2024)

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This article explains how to sync your iPhone and iPad using the iCloud service. Instructions apply to iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 and later.

How to Sync Your Apple Devices Using iCloud

If you want to keep the data on your iPhone and iPad in sync, use Apple iCloud to keep all your devices in sync at all times. As long as both your devices connect to the internet and have the same iCloud settings—and you access them using the same Apple ID—they'll stay in sync.

Here's how to set up iCloud:

1. Open the Settings app on one device, tap your name to open the Apple ID screen, then select iCloud.

   

2. Turn on the toggle switches next to every category of app and content that you want to sync between the iPhone and iPad. Repeat this process with the second device.

   The settings must be set identically on both devices for the sync to work.

   

3. Go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts and ensure the email accounts are set up the same on both devices.

   

4. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store and turn on automatic downloads for Music, Apps, Books & Audiobooks, and Updates on both devices by moving the toggle switches next to them to the On/green position.

   

After you set up iCloud on both devices, they'll remain synced. This approach keeps the majority of your information identical across both devices. The iCloud is accessible on iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, and it keeps your data secure when it is in storage and when it is in transit.

How to Get More iCloud Storage Space

The iCloud service is free from Apple, and it comes with 5 GB of storage. The amount of iCloud storage used is displayed at the top of the iCloud settings screen. If this isn't enough space for you, or you are nearing your limit, you can purchase 50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB plans from Apple beginning at $0.99 per month. Go to the iCloud settings screen and tap Manage Storage > Change Storage Plan.

Can You Sync iPhone Directly to iPad?

It's not possible to sync your iPhone and iPad in the same way that you sync your iOS devices to your computer (by connecting the two devices with a cable or syncing via Wi-Fi and moving data back and forth between the devices). There are a couple of reasons for this:

• Apple didn't design the devices or iOS to work that way. One of the fundamental concepts of the way iOS mobile devices manage data is that they access data in the cloud, on the internet, or with stationary computers. That's where a web-based server, cloud storage, or your home computer comes into the picture.
• No manufacturer makes a cable you can use to connect the two devices.