iCloud: set up and use a photo library - how it works

Store your photos and videos in the iCloud Photo Library, and you can access your photos anytime, from any device. This practical tip shows you how to set up and use the media library.

How to set up your iCloud photo library

Before setting up your iCloud Photo Library, update your devices to either the latest iOS or Mac OS. If you work with Windows, download iCloud for Windows to your computer. By the way: In newer operating systems, the iCloud photo library is now only called "iCloud photos".

• Set up the iCloud photo library on your iPhone or iPad under "Settings". First tap on "Your Name" at the top, then on "iCloud -> Photos". You activate the media library with the slider.
• On your Mac, go to "System Preferences" and select "iCloud". Click on the "Options" item next to "Photos" and select "iCloud Photos".
• If you have loaded iCloud for Windows on your Windows computer, open the program. Next to "Photos", click on "Options". Here you activate the "iCloud Photo Library" by ticking the box. Then click "Done" and "Apply".
• To use the iCloud photo library from another device, the iCloud must be set up on this device.
• In addition, all mobile devices or computers that are to access iCloud photos must be logged in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.

We will show you how to download photos from iCloud in our next practical tip.