{
  "schema": "https://storagestudio.us/schema/wiki-page.v1",
  "title": "iCloud Drive for another Apple ID",
  "slug": "icloud-drive-for-another-apple-id",
  "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-drive-for-another-apple-id",
  "markdown_url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-drive-for-another-apple-id.md",
  "category": "Cloud accounts",
  "category_url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/cloud-accounts/",
  "tags": [
    "cloud accounts",
    "icloud",
    "sign in"
  ],
  "summary": "Connect the iCloud Drive of an Apple ID other than the one signed in to your Mac, using its password and a six-digit code from Apple. You can add up to three extra Apple IDs.",
  "published_at": "2026-10-01T06:17:00.000Z",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-01T05:32:02.000Z",
  "headings": [
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Before you start",
      "id": "before-you-start"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Step by step",
      "id": "step-by-step"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "If the code doesn't come or doesn't work",
      "id": "if-the-code-doesn-t-come-or-doesn-t-work"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Other messages",
      "id": "other-messages"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Signing in again, about once a month",
      "id": "signing-in-again-about-once-a-month"
    },
    {
      "level": 2,
      "text": "Limits and what you get",
      "id": "limits-and-what-you-get"
    }
  ],
  "links_out": [
    {
      "slug": "keeping-storage-studio-up-to-date",
      "label": "keeping Storage Studio up to date",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/keeping-storage-studio-up-to-date"
    },
    {
      "slug": "icloud-sign-in-problems",
      "label": "signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud fails",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-sign-in-problems"
    },
    {
      "slug": "when-an-account-needs-signing-in-again",
      "label": "when an account needs signing in again",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/when-an-account-needs-signing-in-again"
    },
    {
      "slug": "icloud-photos-of-another-apple-id",
      "label": "its Photos library, read-only",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-photos-of-another-apple-id"
    },
    {
      "slug": "data-transfers",
      "label": "Data Transfers",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/data-transfers"
    },
    {
      "slug": "the-storage-studio-location-in-finder",
      "label": "the Storage Studio location in Finder",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/the-storage-studio-location-in-finder"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cloud-accounts",
      "label": "Cloud accounts",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/cloud-accounts"
    },
    {
      "slug": "compared-with-icloud-drive",
      "label": "Storage Studio's cloud accounts and iCloud Drive",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/compared-with-icloud-drive"
    },
    {
      "slug": "how-account-sign-ins-are-stored",
      "label": "How your account sign-ins are stored",
      "exists": true,
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/how-account-sign-ins-are-stored"
    }
  ],
  "links_in": [
    {
      "slug": "accounts-we-dont-connect",
      "title": "Accounts Storage Studio doesn't connect",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/accounts-we-dont-connect"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cloud-accounts",
      "title": "Cloud accounts",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/cloud-accounts"
    },
    {
      "slug": "icloud-sign-in-problems",
      "title": "Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud fails",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-sign-in-problems"
    },
    {
      "slug": "compared-with-icloud-drive",
      "title": "Storage Studio's cloud accounts and iCloud Drive",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/compared-with-icloud-drive"
    },
    {
      "slug": "testing-editing-and-removing-an-account",
      "title": "Testing, editing and removing an account",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/testing-editing-and-removing-an-account"
    },
    {
      "slug": "icloud-photos-of-another-apple-id",
      "title": "iCloud Photos of another Apple ID",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-photos-of-another-apple-id"
    }
  ],
  "diagrams": [
    {
      "kind": "flowchart",
      "caption": "Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive",
      "outline": "- Apple ID and password, then Sign in\n  - leads to Did Apple accept them?\n- Did Apple accept them?\n  - No: leads to Fix the details or the iCloud settings, then Sign in again\n  - Yes: leads to Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices\n- Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices\n  - leads to Did a code arrive?\n- Did a code arrive?\n  - Yes: leads to Type the code, then Verify\n  - No: leads to Text me a code instead\n- Type the code, then Verify\n  - leads to Code accepted?\n- Text me a code instead\n  - leads to Type the code, then Verify\n- Code accepted?\n  - Yes: leads to Account added\n  - No: leads to Enter the newest code, or Send a new code\n- Enter the newest code, or Send a new code\n  - leads to Type the code, then Verify\n",
      "source": "%% caption: Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive\nflowchart TD\n  A[Apple ID and password, then Sign in] --> B{Did Apple accept them?}\n  B -->|No| C[Fix the details or the iCloud settings, then Sign in again]\n  B -->|Yes| D[Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices]\n  D --> E{Did a code arrive?}\n  E -->|Yes| F[Type the code, then Verify]\n  E -->|No| G[Text me a code instead]\n  G --> F\n  F --> H{Code accepted?}\n  H -->|Yes| I[Account added]\n  H -->|No| J[Enter the newest code, or Send a new code]\n  J --> F"
    }
  ],
  "images": [],
  "screenshots_pending": [
    {
      "alt": "The Add Cloud Account sheet with iCloud Drive (another Apple ID) selected, showing the Before you sign in to this Apple ID box above empty Apple ID and Password fields",
      "caption": "Adding another Apple ID's iCloud Drive"
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "question": "Can I see all my cloud accounts in Finder on a Mac?",
      "answer": "Yes. Storage Studio adds a \"Storage Studio\" location to Finder's sidebar, with each connected cloud account and paired device as a folder inside, and a Finder button in the app's main window opens it. Files stay in the cloud until you open them. Folders you have visited open straight away and…",
      "url": "https://storagestudio.us/faq"
    }
  ],
  "text": "Your Mac's own iCloud Drive is already available to Storage Studio through the iCloud Drive folder on your Mac, so you never add it as an account. To reach a different Apple ID — a family member's, or a second one of your own — add it as iCloud Drive (another Apple ID) and sign in with its Apple ID, password and a verification code from Apple. Before you start On the Apple ID you're adding, check two settings on one of its devices ( Settings › your name › iCloud ): Advanced Data Protection must be off . Access iCloud Data on the Web must be on . Have one of that Apple ID's devices nearby, because Apple sends the code there. The form also tells you plainly that this uses Apple's web access, not an official connection, so Apple could change it. Step by step Choose Connect Accounts… from the More menu, then click Add Account . Select iCloud Drive (another Apple ID) and type a Nickname , such as icloud-family . Enter the Apple ID and its Password , then click Sign in . The sheet shows Talking to Apple… . Apple sends a verification code to the devices signed in to that Apple ID. Type the six-digit code and click Verify . The account appears in your list. Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive Flowchart outline: Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive Apple ID and password, then Sign in leads to Did Apple accept them? Did Apple accept them? No: leads to Fix the details or the iCloud settings, then Sign in again Yes: leads to Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices leads to Did a code arrive? Did a code arrive? Yes: leads to Type the code, then Verify No: leads to Text me a code instead Type the code, then Verify leads to Code accepted? Text me a code instead leads to Type the code, then Verify Code accepted? Yes: leads to Account added No: leads to Enter the newest code, or Send a new code Enter the newest code, or Send a new code leads to Type the code, then Verify If the code doesn't come or doesn't work No code on the devices — click Text me a code instead . If the Apple ID has more than one trusted phone number, Storage Studio asks Which number should Apple text the code to? That code didn't work, or it expired — you stay on the code step. Enter the newest code, or click Send a new code . This Apple ID has no phone number that can receive codes — use the code shown on one of its Apple devices instead. Other messages This Apple ID has Advanced Data Protection on, or web access to iCloud off — change the two settings above, then try again. Apple didn't accept that Apple ID or password — check both and try again. Couldn't reach Apple — check your internet connection. Apple changed how iCloud sign-in works… — your Apple ID and password weren't the problem. Make sure you have the latest version — see keeping Storage Studio up to date . There's more help in signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud fails . Signing in again, about once a month Apple asks for a new verification code roughly once a month. When that happens, transfers and browsing for that account stop working and Test connection says Apple needs you to confirm this Mac again. Select the account in Remotes & Accounts and click Sign in again : enter the password, then the new code. If you cancel part-way, the account is put back exactly as it was. See when an account needs signing in again . Limits and what you get You can add up to three extra Apple IDs. Each one gives you its iCloud Drive and, with the same sign-in, its Photos library, read-only . Use it in Data Transfers or browse it in the Storage Studio location in Finder . Common questions Can I see all my cloud accounts in Finder on a Mac? Yes. Storage Studio adds a \"Storage Studio\" location to Finder's sidebar, with each connected cloud account and paired device as a folder inside, and a Finder button in the app's main window opens it. Files stay in the cloud until you open them. Folders you have visited open straight away and… See also: Cloud accounts · Storage Studio's cloud accounts and iCloud Drive · How your account sign-ins are stored",
  "markdown": "Your Mac's own iCloud Drive is already available to Storage Studio through the iCloud Drive folder on your Mac, so you never add it as an account. To reach a **different** Apple ID — a family member's, or a second one of your own — add it as **iCloud Drive (another Apple ID)** and sign in with its Apple ID, password and a verification code from Apple.\n\n## Before you start\n\nOn the Apple ID you're adding, check two settings on one of its devices (**Settings › your name › iCloud**):\n\n- **Advanced Data Protection** must be **off**.\n- **Access iCloud Data on the Web** must be **on**.\n\nHave one of that Apple ID's devices nearby, because Apple sends the code there. The form also tells you plainly that this uses Apple's web access, not an official connection, so Apple could change it.\n\n## Step by step\n\n1. Choose **Connect Accounts…** from the **More** menu, then click **Add Account**.\n2. Select **iCloud Drive (another Apple ID)** and type a **Nickname**, such as *icloud-family*.\n3. Enter the **Apple ID** and its **Password**, then click **Sign in**. The sheet shows **Talking to Apple…**.\n4. Apple sends a verification code to the devices signed in to that Apple ID. Type the six-digit code and click **Verify**.\n5. The account appears in your list.\n\n```mermaid\n%% caption: Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive\nflowchart TD\n  A[Apple ID and password, then Sign in] --> B{Did Apple accept them?}\n  B -->|No| C[Fix the details or the iCloud settings, then Sign in again]\n  B -->|Yes| D[Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices]\n  D --> E{Did a code arrive?}\n  E -->|Yes| F[Type the code, then Verify]\n  E -->|No| G[Text me a code instead]\n  G --> F\n  F --> H{Code accepted?}\n  H -->|Yes| I[Account added]\n  H -->|No| J[Enter the newest code, or Send a new code]\n  J --> F\n```\n\n*Flowchart — Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive. Outline:*\n\n- Apple ID and password, then Sign in\n  - leads to Did Apple accept them?\n- Did Apple accept them?\n  - No: leads to Fix the details or the iCloud settings, then Sign in again\n  - Yes: leads to Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices\n- Apple sends a code to that Apple ID's devices\n  - leads to Did a code arrive?\n- Did a code arrive?\n  - Yes: leads to Type the code, then Verify\n  - No: leads to Text me a code instead\n- Type the code, then Verify\n  - leads to Code accepted?\n- Text me a code instead\n  - leads to Type the code, then Verify\n- Code accepted?\n  - Yes: leads to Account added\n  - No: leads to Enter the newest code, or Send a new code\n- Enter the newest code, or Send a new code\n  - leads to Type the code, then Verify\n\n## If the code doesn't come or doesn't work\n\n- **No code on the devices** — click **Text me a code instead**. If the Apple ID has more than one trusted phone number, Storage Studio asks **Which number should Apple text the code to?**\n- **That code didn't work, or it expired** — you stay on the code step. Enter the newest code, or click **Send a new code**.\n- **This Apple ID has no phone number that can receive codes** — use the code shown on one of its Apple devices instead.\n\n## Other messages\n\n- **This Apple ID has Advanced Data Protection on, or web access to iCloud off** — change the two settings above, then try again.\n- **Apple didn't accept that Apple ID or password** — check both and try again.\n- **Couldn't reach Apple** — check your internet connection.\n- **Apple changed how iCloud sign-in works…** — your Apple ID and password weren't the problem. Make sure you have the latest version — see [keeping Storage Studio up to date](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/keeping-storage-studio-up-to-date).\n\nThere's more help in [signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud fails](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-sign-in-problems).\n\n## Signing in again, about once a month\n\nApple asks for a new verification code roughly once a month. When that happens, transfers and browsing for that account stop working and **Test connection** says Apple needs you to confirm this Mac again. Select the account in **Remotes & Accounts** and click **Sign in again**: enter the password, then the new code. If you cancel part-way, the account is put back exactly as it was. See [when an account needs signing in again](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/when-an-account-needs-signing-in-again).\n\n## Limits and what you get\n\n- You can add up to three extra Apple IDs.\n- Each one gives you its iCloud Drive and, with the same sign-in, [its Photos library, read-only](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/icloud-photos-of-another-apple-id).\n- Use it in [Data Transfers](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/data-transfers) or browse it in [the Storage Studio location in Finder](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/the-storage-studio-location-in-finder).\n\n- **Can I see all my cloud accounts in Finder on a Mac?** Yes. Storage Studio adds a \"Storage Studio\" location to Finder's sidebar, with each connected cloud account and paired device as a folder inside, and a Finder button in the app's main window opens it. Files stay in the cloud until you open them. Folders you have visited open straight away and… (https://storagestudio.us/faq)\n\nSee also: [Cloud accounts](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/cloud-accounts) · [Storage Studio's cloud accounts and iCloud Drive](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/compared-with-icloud-drive) · [How your account sign-ins are stored](https://storagestudio.us/wiki/how-account-sign-ins-are-stored)\n"
}