How to turn off iCloud

Files I save on the Desktop get sent away to the cloud and take for ever to get back, especially when I am not online. How can I make the computer NEVER uploading ANY files to iCloud (not even when online)?

Mac mini, macOS 13.5

Posted on Sep 13, 2023 10:38 AM

Similar questions

iCloud not keeping the files on Desktop and etc,. Hi, I'm using iCloud to sync my Desktop and Documents (only). But, lately every time I need to open a file Mac download it from the iCloud. Hence it is very slowly, and sometimes without internet I get stuck without the needed files. How can I disable iCloud from keep the files only on the cloud? so the files will be stored also on my MacBook. Thank u
306 2
How can I stop iCloud from automatically storing my documents? I don't want my documents automatically stored in iCloud. It uses up too much storage and I don't want to pay for more. However it seems like now, after the last OS update turning that off brings up a warning screen with one of those yellow triangles with the exclamation point in it pops up saying that if you do it everything will be deleted from your computer. Other places in this "community chat" I see people saying just do it and it will recreate a new folder on your computer which is opposite of that warning screen and why do we have to do this anyway? I had everything on my compeer where I wanted it to begin with. I don't want anything on iCloud at all. I don't want to pay for more space or expose my stuff to the internet like that. [Re-Titled by Moderator]
1385 11
Why is iCloud auto downloading files I have just bought a new Mac mini and I have noticed how iCloud Drive is auto downloading all my files even though I have told it not to by turning optimize Mac storage off, yet it is still downloading 300 GB of files. As I have said, I have turned off the option to store the iCloud files on the Mac, I have even gone as far as doing a full system restore of erasing MacOS and reinstalling it. This Mac mini only has 512 GB of space and I do not want over 300 GB of that to be taken up with what's in my iCloud. I don't have this issue on iPhone, iPad, and Windows. All I want is to be able to store and upload stuff in iCloud and download it when I need it. [Edited by Moderator]
1068 8

1 reply

TheLittles

Level 10

206,119 points

Sep 13, 2023 10:29 PM in response to UE

UE Said:

"How to turn off iCloud: Files I save on the Desktop get sent away to the cloud and take for ever to get back, especially when I am not online. How can I make the computer NEVER uploading ANY files to iCloud (not even when online)"

-------

Disallowing iCloud Drive Items:

Files will upload, as long as iCloud Drive is enables in iCloud Settings. So, you'll have to disable this.

Disable iCloud Drive, on the Mac:

Go to: System Preferences
Click: Apple ID (Top Item)
Uncheck: iCloud Drive

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to turn off iCloud

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up