Sync Your Mac’s Downloads Folder with iCloud Drive

ℹ️ Compatibility: Works on macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, Sonoma, and likely all other versions supporting iCloud Drive.

The Problem ​

The Downloads folder is my temporary workspace—where reports, tickets, and random files land. But here’s the catch: while Documents and Desktop sync seamlessly with iCloud Drive, Downloads doesn’t.
Ever searched for a file on your phone, only to realize it’s stuck on your Mac? Or downloaded a ticket on your iPad, but can’t find it on your computer? Frustrating, right.

The Fix ​

By default, macOS keeps your ~/Downloads folder local. But iCloud Drive does have its own Downloads folder—it’s just hidden in a different spot. Let’s bridge the gap and sync them.

⚠️ Warning: Some users report this may affect AirDrop. Tested and working on Tahoe and earlier macOS versions, but your mileage may vary.

Step 1: (Optional) Preserve the Downloads Folder Icon ​

If you want to try preserving the classic Downloads folder icon for the new folder (though it won’t restore the special Finder sidebar icon):

1. Open Finder and right-click Downloads in the Favorites sidebar. Select Get Info.
2. Open Get Info for a new folder (e.g., create a temporary folder on your Desktop).
3. In the original Downloads folder’s info window, click the icon in the preview section (not the tiny top-left icon).
4. Drag that icon onto the tiny top-left icon in the new folder’s info window.

Step 2: Replace Your Local Downloads Folder ​

1. Delete the old Downloads folder (back up files first!):

   bash

   sudo rm -rf ~/Downloads

   Enter your login password when prompted.

2. Remove the old Downloads from the Dock by dragging it out.

3. Create a symlink to the iCloud Drive Downloads folder in place of the local Downloads folder you just deleted:

   bash

   ln -s ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/com\~apple\~CloudDocs/Downloads ~/Downloads

4. Restart Finder by holding down the Option (⌥) key, right-clicking the Finder icon in the Dock, and selecting Relaunch.

5. Add the new Downloads folder to the Dock:

   • Open iCloud Drive in Finder.
   • Drag the Downloads folder to the Dock (where the old Downloads folder was).

6. Add the new Downloads folder to the Finder sidebar:

   • Open Finder.
   • Go to Finder > Settings in the menu bar.
   • Select the Sidebar tab.
   • Under Favorites, check the box next to Downloads.

Step 3: (Optional) Apply the Preserved Icon ​

1. Open Finder and right-click the new Downloads folder (now synced with iCloud Drive) in the Favorites sidebar. Select Get Info.
2. Open Get Info for the temporary folder where you saved the original icon.
3. In the temporary folder’s info window, click the icon in the preview section.
4. Drag that icon onto the tiny top-left icon in the new Downloads folder’s info window.
5. Close both info windows and delete the temporary folder.

⚠️ Note: The custom icon will apply to the folder itself, but the special Downloads icon in the Finder sidebar will not return. The folder will appear as a regular folder.

Done! ​

Now, anything you download on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad will appear in the same place—everywhere. 🎉

FAQ ​

Q: Will this break AirDrop?
A: Some users report issues, but it works fine for me on Tahoe. Proceed with caution.

Q: What if I already have files in both folders?
A: Merge them manually before deleting the local folder, or back up first.

Q: Can I undo this?
A: Yes, mostly! Delete the symlink (rm ~/Downloads) and recreate the local folder. Restart Finder or log out and log back in. However, the original Downloads folder icon won’t be restored unless you preserved it using the optional steps above.