Why is my Mac not syncing with iCloud?
4 min read Are you having problems with iCloud not syncing? Some users report being unable to access files from other devices, photo upload failure, or duplicate files and documents. It's undoubtedly a frustrating problem. Being able to store various files, documents, and passwords automatically, as well as seamlessly accessing them across multiple devices, has become almost essential. It's not until we experience issues
with iCloud that we realize just how much we rely on it. Here are a few reasons you might have encountered syncing problems: Corrupt iCloud settings System errors Storage shortages iCloud temporary outages Apple is not immune to service issues, so before we go diving into the fixes, it's always a good idea to check Apple's System Status page for outages and reported problems. It is regularly updated so that users are informed about service issues right away. If there has been a reported issue, all you have to do is wait for Apple to fix it. If there are no reported issues with iCloud itself, the good news is syncing problems are pretty easy to fix. Simply work your way through these six troubleshooting tips, and we'll get your data and documents synced in no time. 1. Check your iCloud accountA common reason for iCloud files not syncing is you have different accounts logged in on your various devices. As you can see below, I wasn't logged in correctly on my Mac, so I couldn't sync data between my devices. Here's how to check on your Mac:
Check that the same account is logged in on all of the devices you are trying to sync. 2. Restart your MacSo, you're logged in correctly, but you still can't sync your iCloud Drive? It's time to restart your Mac from the main Apple menu. According to multiple reports, iCloud can take up to ten minutes to sync when devices are first turned on. So, take a quick break, and while your Mac is relaunching, restart your other devices. After ten minutes, check if the sync has kicked in; if not, jump to the next tip. 3. Check for date and time discrepanciesUnbeknown to many users, if you've recently traveled to a different time zone and your Mac's date and time settings have changed, you can encounter multiple issues, like iCloud desktop not syncing. Here's how to check that your date and time settings are correct:
4. Manage your storage spaceAnother reason people encounter problems with iCloud Drive not syncing on a Mac is the lack of storage space. Here's how to check it:
5. Free up space on your MacDid you know that the files saved on your iCloud Drive are also kept on your hard drive? That means if you're running out of disk space, your iCloud data won't sync either. You'll need to clear up some files and release some extra space. The easiest way to quickly free up space is by removing any large or forgotten files that you no longer use. I use the Large and Old Files module from CleanMyMac X because it gives you an instant overview of all your files and then lets you sort them by last accessed date, type, and kind. This is a sure way to free up space and get your iCloud syncing again. Here's how to run the tool:
Another bonus reason I like this app is that it's also notarized by Apple, which means that it is absolutely safe to use. 6. Update your MacIs your Mac running the latest macOS? System bugs are another culprit for iCloud waiting to upload error messages and syncing issues. Take a moment to check and install any updates. Here's how:
How to force sync iCloudAlthough there isn't a simple force sync button on our Macs, there are a few things we can do to prompt a sync. Let's take a look at the options we have. iCloud DriveMany users report that simply opening their iCloud Drive folder from Finder prompts a sync. It's worth a try. Specific Apps not syncingIf your syncing issue is with a specific App, like Notes, try a Force Quit by right-clicking the application icon from the Dock and pressing Force Quit. Relaunching the app can also prompt a new sync to start. Third-party alternativesThe biggest pro to using iCloud is undoubtedly its integration with the Apple ecosystem, but that doesn't mean it's problem-free, as issues with syncing are common. There are, in fact, plenty of alternative options out there. Some of the best are Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. If you do decide to move away from iCloud, take time to complete your research and pick an alternative that meets your needs and pricing range. |