The Cloud Drive Clutter
macOS is heavily integrated with iCloud, and modern Finder versions extend this integration to third-party cloud providers. When you install applications like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive, Apple allows these apps to use a specific API to automatically inject a shortcut to their synchronized folders directly into the “Locations” or “Favorites” section of your Finder sidebar. This “Cloud Storage” integration ensures your remote files are always just one click away.
However, if you use multiple cloud services for different clients, or if you prefer to access your cloud drives through a dedicated menu bar app rather than the file manager, these automatically injected icons simply take up valuable space. Worse, if a cloud sync app misbehaves, it might repeatedly add its icon back to the sidebar even after you manually drag it out. To maintain strict control over your Finder layout and prevent third-party apps from cluttering your navigation pane, you can disable the cloud storage sidebar integration.
How to Hide Cloud Storage in the Sidebar
You can manage which cloud providers are allowed in your sidebar via the Finder Settings.
- Click the Finder icon in your Dock to make it the active application.
- In the top menu bar, click on Finder and choose Settings… (or Preferences).
- Click on the Sidebar tab at the top of the Settings window.
- Look under the “Locations” section for a category specifically labelled Cloud Storage.
- You will see a list of installed cloud providers (e.g., iCloud Drive, Google Drive).
- Uncheck the box next to any cloud service you want to hide.
- Close the Settings window.
The shortcuts for the disabled cloud services will immediately disappear from the Finder sidebar. You can still navigate to their underlying sync folders on your local hard drive manually if needed.