How to Host Your Own Apple Contacts Account on Mac and IOS Using Nextcloud
If you’re concerned about privacy or simply want more control over your contacts, hosting your own Apple Contacts account using Nextcloud is a great option. This allows you to store and sync your contacts securely on your own server. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:
Prerequisites
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Nextcloud Server: You’ll need a Nextcloud server set up. You can either host your own Nextcloud server or use a Nextcloud hosting provider.
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Nextcloud Contacts App: Ensure that you have the “Contacts” app installed and enabled on your Nextcloud server.
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Mac and iOS Devices: You’ll need Apple devices such as a Mac computer and an iPhone or iPad to complete the setup.
Steps to Host Your Apple Contacts Account on Mac and iOS using Nextcloud
1. Configure Nextcloud Contacts App
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Open your Nextcloud server in a web browser.
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Log in to your Nextcloud account.
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Navigate to the “Contacts” app. You can usually find it on the bottom of the navigation panel.
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In the “Contacts” app, look for the WebDAV URL. This URL will be used to connect your Apple devices to your Nextcloud contacts.
2. Set Up on Mac
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On your Mac computer, go to “System Preferences.”
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Click on “Internet Accounts.”
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Click the “+” button to add a new account.
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Choose “CardDAV Account” from the list of account types.
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Fill in the following details:
- Server Address: Enter the WebDAV URL from your Nextcloud Contacts app.
- User Name: Your Nextcloud username.
- Password: Your Nextcloud password.
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Click “Sign In” to connect your Mac’s Contacts app to your Nextcloud account.
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Your Mac will now sync your Nextcloud contacts to the Contacts app.
3. Set Up on iOS
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On your iOS device (iPhone or iPad), go to “Settings.”
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Scroll down and tap on “Contacts.”
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Tap “Accounts” and then “Add Account.”
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Choose “CardDAV Account.”
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Fill in the following details:
- Server: Enter the WebDAV URL from your Nextcloud Contacts app.
- User Name: Your Nextcloud username.
- Password: Your Nextcloud password.
- Description: Give your account a name (e.g., “Nextcloud Contacts”).
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Tap “Next” or “Sign In” to complete the setup.
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Your iOS device will now sync your Nextcloud contacts with the built-in Contacts app.
4. Verify Sync
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After completing the setup on both your Mac and iOS device, wait for a few moments to allow the initial sync to take place.
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Open your Contacts app on both devices and check if your Nextcloud contacts are visible and up-to-date.
Now, you have successfully set up your own Apple Contacts account hosted on your Nextcloud server. Your contacts will be stored securely on your server, and you can access and manage them on your Mac and iOS devices.
Please note that you’ll need to ensure your Nextcloud server is always accessible and properly maintained for continuous synchronization between your devices.