More storage space, more features: we introduce you to Apple’s paid service iCloud+, and explain how to activate it on your device.
Overview: What is iCloud+?
- 50 GB / 200 GB / 2 TB online storage from 0.99 euros per month
- Additional features such as IP anonymization and email address obfuscation
- Available for devices with (minimum) iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12 and Windows
In details: what is iCloud+?
iCloud+ is a paid extension of Apple’s iCloud online storage. While you can get 5GB of storage in the free version, you can go for 50GB, 20GB, or 2TB with iCloud+ for a monthly subscription. As an iCloud+ subscriber, you also enjoy all the features of iCloud Drive, an application that facilitates the automatic storage of your data from all devices, among other things. The iCloud+ service is complemented by additional premium features.
Overview of iCloud+ features
- iCloud Private Relay: this function allows anonymous surfing on the Internet. The VPN-like app hides your IP address, but only works exclusively with Apple’s Safari browser.
- Hide email address: use randomly created email addresses to, for example, subscribe to newsletters and participate in contests whose pages are sent to your inbox. This allows your email address to remain secret.
- HomeKit Secure Video: Connect your CCTV camera to the Home app and access cloud-stored videos from anywhere. The number of cameras that can be integrated depends on the size of the subscription (see iCloud+ plan).
- Personal email domain: if you already use your own domain to send your emails, you can also use it for your iCloud emails (instead of @icloud.com).
If you created a Family Sharing group on iCloud, you can share your iCloud+ subscription with this group. All members then benefit from the reserved storage space and can also use the above functions at no additional cost.
iCloud+ Pricing
THE monthly price of iCloud+ depends on the size of the storage:
- 50 GB of storage for 0.99 euros
- 200 GB of storage for 2.99 euros
- 2 TB of storage for 9.99 euros
HiDrive from IONOS allows you to benefit from online storage ensuring the highest data security, in accordance with the GDPR and the location of the server in the European Union.
Set up iCloud+
The operating system iOS 15, iPadOS 15 or macOS 12 must be installed on your Apple device in order to use iCloud+. You can also use iCloud+ on Windows devices. To use all functions under Windows, you must be using at least Windows 10.
Activate iCloud+ on iPhone or iPad
- Open your device settings and select “Apple ID”.
- In the iCloud section, click on “Manage Storage” or “iCloud Storage”.
- Select “Buy more storage” or “Change storage plan”.
- The different plans (storage space and iCloud+ features) are displayed and can be activated directly after purchase.
Activate iCloud+ on Mac
- Open System Settings on your Mac and select “Apple ID”.
- In the iCloud section, click “Manage”.
- In the window that opens, click on “Change storage plan”.
- Select the desired plan and click “Next”.
- Complete the purchase by entering your password.
Activate iCloud+ on Windows Computer
- Download and install the iCloud for Windows app from the Microsoft Store.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- In the overview, select the “Storage” menu, then select the appropriate “iCloud+” subscription.
Downgrade or cancel an iCloud+ subscription
If you no longer need the purchased storage space and features of iCloud+, you can downgrade your current subscription. To do this, click on ” To reduce your plan in the section where you select a subscription, then simply select a cheaper plan or the free version of iCloud. The last option corresponds to a termination of iCloud+. The plan change takes effect at the start of the next billing period (usually the next billing month).
