iCloud Drive

Cloud file storage and sync. Can be selectively enabled or disabled via MDM configuration profiles to control where corporate documents are stored.

What to Know

iCloud Drive creates data governance challenges when users save corporate files to personal iCloud accounts, removing those files from organizational backup systems, audit trails, and retention policies. Files stored in personal iCloud Drive cannot be recovered by the organization after employee departures, creating compliance risks and potential data loss. For organizations subject to data retention regulations or eDiscovery requirements, allowing personal iCloud Drive usage on corporate devices can create significant legal and compliance exposure.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: Corporate IT typically disables personal iCloud Drive on company-owned devices to prevent corporate documents from being stored outside approved corporate storage systems like SharePoint, OneDrive, or Google Drive. Organizations deploying Managed Apple IDs may enable iCloud Drive while maintaining organizational control over the storage account. On BYOD devices, IT may allow personal iCloud Drive while using app-level data containerization to prevent corporate apps from saving to personal cloud storage.

MSP: MSPs configure iCloud Drive restrictions based on client data governance policies and industry requirements. Professional services clients (legal, accounting, consulting) often require complete iCloud Drive blocking to maintain client confidentiality and data retention compliance. Creative or tech clients may allow iCloud Drive for productivity, accepting the governance trade-offs. MSPs should audit whether corporate files already exist in personal iCloud Drive accounts before deploying restrictions.

Education: Schools disable personal iCloud Drive on student devices to prevent students from syncing school-owned files and assignments to personal or parent Apple IDs. Students receive Managed Apple IDs with iCloud Drive enabled under school control for collaboration and file sharing. Teacher devices may allow personal iCloud Drive if the school permits personal use, though many schools disable it to prevent mixing personal and school files.

In Addigy

Addigy’s Restrictions payload includes an “Allow iCloud Drive” toggle that prevents devices from using iCloud Drive when disabled. This restriction requires a supervised device and applies immediately upon profile deployment. Disabling iCloud Drive does not remove files already synced to personal iCloud Drive accounts—users must manually delete files if the organization wants to remove previously synced corporate data. Addigy also supports deploying Managed Apple ID configurations that enable controlled iCloud Drive access under organizational ownership.