How to Share Folders in iCloud Drive

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If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or the iCloud.com website, you can access and edit entire folders of files with other Apple device owners via iCloud.

This updated sharing feature requires at least iOS 13.4 on iPhone, iPadOS 13.4 on iPad, or macOS Catalina 10.15.4. If you’re using a previous version of these operating systems, you can only share files individually. Once you upgrade, the entire folder can be shared in one shot.

On iOS/iPadOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your device will either tell you that your software is up to date or it will download the latest version of the operating system. On your Mac, click the Apple icon and select About this Mac. If the version number says 10.5.4 or higher, you’re set. If not, click the button for Software Update to install the latest version.

Share iCloud Folders on iPhone or iPad

Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure that iCloud Drive is already set up as one of the locations. If it’s not, go through the process for adding it. Tap the location for iCloud Drive. Look for the folder you wish to share and then tap the Select link in the upper right. Tap the folder you plan to share and then tap the link for Share in the lower-left corner of the iCloud Drive window.

Open Share Options

At the Share window, tap Add People. In the next window, swipe down to the bottom and tap Share Options.

Change Access and Permissions on Mobile

You can now make it so the only people who can access the files inside the folder are those with a shareable link or people you specifically invited. The folder’s permissions can also be changed, by either allowing others to edit the files or making them view-only. Make your choices and then tap the left arrow for Add People to return to the previous window.

Choose a Platform

Now, select the app or service that you want to use to send the invitation to access the folder. You can choose among Messages, Mail, Skype, Facebook Messenger, and more. You can also opt to just copy the link and manually insert it in your preferred app.

Share the Link

Depending on the app, you may need to enter an email address, phone number, or other contact information for the recipients before sending the invitation. The recipient will then receive a link to the iCloud folder. The person must click on the icon for the shared folder, then sign into their Apple account. The shared folder can then be accessed from their own iCloud Drive location.

Change Share Settings on Mobile

At any time, you can change who has access to a shared folder and what their permissions are, or simply shut off sharing completely. On the iCloud Drive entry in the Files app, tap Select, choose the folder, then tap Share. From the Share window, tap the entry for Show People to access a few different options. 

If you want to give more people access to the shared folder, tap Add people. You can then go through the adding process again and send out invitations. To modify the sharing for a specific individual, tap the name of that person and change the permissions between Can make changes and View only, or remove access completely.

To turn off sharing of the folder for everyone, tap Stop Sharing. Tap OK to confirm, and the shared folder is then removed from iCloud Drive for everyone else.

Share iCloud Folders on Mac

From Finder, click the Go menu and select iCloud Drive. Select the folder you want to share and then click the share icon on the top toolbar. From there, select Add People.

Change Access and Permissions on Mac

At the Add People window, click the entry for Share Options. You can now determine who can access the folder: Only people you invite or Anyone with the link. You can also set the permission so that people can either make changes or only view the files in the folder. Then choose how you want to share the invitation, e.g., Mail, Message, Copy Link, or AirDrop. Click the Share button.

Share Folder on Mac

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