How do I sync my Download folder for both Mac's?

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Level 1

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How do I sync my Download folder for both Mac's?

I got MB Pro 2017 and MB Air M1 2020 both running Big Sur 11.4. My iCloud is turned on with all file sharing options included, yet I have an issue If I download any file on one Mac it doesn't appear on the other. There is a folder named Download on iCloud Drive but it contains only 3 files out of tons that I downloaded to my Mac.

Is there any way to sync this main Download folder automatically without putting new file to iCloud Drive manually?

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thank you.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 17, 2021 4:00 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

léonie

Level 10

200,621 points

Jun 17, 2021 5:12 AM in response to TemaTumanov

Are you asking about downloads from your web browser?

Then select a folder on iCloud Drive as the standard downloads folder, as described here: https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/301159/how-to-replace-the-systems-download-folder-with-one-in-an-external-drive

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Answer 2

TemaTumanov Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 17, 2021 5:45 AM in response to Community User

Very helpful article, thanks a lot 👍🏻 Although it contains a lot of third party app options I think I got the main idea of what to do.

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Answer 3

TemaTumanov Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 17, 2021 5:48 AM in response to léonie

First I thought to store all my downloaded files but I figured some of them are to large for my iCloud so I’ll just pick the most important ones manually. Thanks a lot for your help.

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Answer 4

Jun 17, 2021 4:41 AM in response to TemaTumanov

Hi! According to this page, it seems that setting your target folder for downloaded data to the iCloud Downloads folder is the only native way to ensure these files are available on both of your computers. However, there are third-party applications that may do what you are wanting if saving files directly to iCloud isn't in your best interest.

https://setapp.com/how-to/sync-data-between-two-macs

Hope this helps!

Shane

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Answer 5

Jun 17, 2021 5:49 AM in response to TemaTumanov

I hear ya. I feel (I think?) the same way you do about the third party stuff. I'd much rather have a native way to do things, and only grudgingly rely on outside apps as a last resort.

Shane

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How do I sync my Download folder for both Mac's?

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