When upgrading to iOS 5 on your iPod touch, iPad, or iPhone, you will be prompted to setup Apple’s new iCloud cloud-storage service provided for free to all iOS 5 users. iCloud allows you to automatically back up the content stored on your device making it easily accessible from any device linked with your Apple ID. This will walk you through the process of setting up iCloud on your iDevice of choice running iOS 5.

Steps for those without iOS 5

  1. Upgrade your iPhone or iPad to iOS 5.
  2. Slide the “Slide to set up” slider when iOS 5 first starts.
  3. Enter your Apple ID when prompted. Note: If you do not have an Apple ID you can click the link that shows up and follow the onscreen instructions to create one.
  4. Click “Next” in the upper right corner.
  5. Make sure the toggle is set to “ON” on the iCloud set up screen and tap “Next”. This will automatically set up and turn on iCloud services associated with the Apple ID you’ve entered.
Steps for those with iOS 5 already
# Go to your home screen. Click on the settings button.

1. Go to Settings

# Scroll down until you see “iCloud.” It will be listed directly under “General.” Click on it.

2. Find iCloud

# Click on “Account.” Enter your information in the space provided. When finished, hit “Done”.

3. Enter info

# Choose which applications you want to be part of iCloud. For each application you want included, hit the switch so that it says “ON”.

4. Customize

Tips

  • You can upgrade to iOS 5 without a developer account by searching for the iOS 5 ISPW file, downloading it, and following the instructions.
  • You can create custom gestures from within the Accessibility section of the Settings app.
  • iOS 5 provides an all new message app called iMessage that allows you to access text messaging services as well free messaging over WiFi and 3G to any iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch running iOS 5.

Warnings

  • iOS 5 is only compatible with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation.