iCloud Sync is not working

When I make changes on my iPhone, such as adding folders or files, I notice that these updates are promptly reflected on my MacBook in real time, which is great.


However, the issue arises when I add or modify files or folders on my MacBook. After doing so, no further syncing seems to occur.


Files and folders added on the MacBook do not reflect on my iPhone and iPad. Additionally, if I edit a specific file on the MacBook, it will no longer sync even if I edit it on my iPhone or iPad. I have also noticed that the "Finder" app on the MacBook is showing an empty cloud icon, as you can see in the attached screenshot.



This weird synchronization problem is creating inconvenience and data discrepancies, as I heavily rely on iCloud to keep my information consistent across both devices.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Jul 25, 2023 06:32 PM

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8 replies

Jul 26, 2023 01:52 PM in response to im_sma

Hello im_sma,


First ensure that the Mac is using the latest available macOS version, as this ensures the latest fixes and improvements have been applied. This page can help update if needed: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support


If possible, try connecting the Mac to a different Wi-Fi network to help rule out any possible conflicts with the existing one.


If there are any VPNs installed try temporarily uninstalling them to help rule out issues from there as well.


Ensure that the date and time on the Mac are also set accurately, as if that is inaccurate it may also cause issues: Set the date and time automatically on your Mac - Apple Support


Cheers.


Jul 27, 2023 08:53 AM in response to im_sma

Hello im_sma,


Thanks for the additional information regarding your iCloud Drive sync issue.


We appreciate the screenshot. Can you please let us know what is happening? Per the screenshot, it is still uploading your info. If it seems frozen, please let us know how long it has been this way. It can take up to 72 hours for your data to sync properly.


Also, you will need to make sure you have enough iCloud storage space in order to upload your data. More info about this can be found here: Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support

 

Take Care!


Jul 27, 2023 01:09 PM in response to im_sma

Hello im_sma,


Thanks for letting us know your results after testing in safe mode. That helps to further rule out a possible conflict with a startup item.


Our next step will be test that behavior in a newly created user account: Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support That will help to further isolate this to a system-wide or user-specific behavior.


Additionally, how much available internal storage is your Mac reporting? See used and available storage space on your Mac - Apple Support That can help us determine if a lack of free space is a contributing factor.


We'll keep moving forward from there based on your results.

Jul 27, 2023 08:31 AM in response to Eric_G1

Hello Eric_G1,


Thank you for your prompt response and for providing me with the troubleshooting steps to address my iCloud sync issue. I followed your recommendations diligently, but unfortunately, the problem persists.


Here are the measures I took as you suggested:


1. Updated macOS: I have successfully updated my MacBook to the latest version of macOS Ventura (Version 13.5). However, despite this update, the iCloud sync problem remains unresolved.


2. Tried different networks: I connected my MacBook to various Wi-Fi networks, both at home and in the office, to rule out any network-specific conflicts. Regrettably, syncing is still not functioning as expected on any of these networks.


3. Disabled VPN clients on my MacBook temporarily, hoping to eliminate any potential issues stemming from VPN interference. Nonetheless, this action did not resolve the sync problem.


4. Verified date and time settings: I confirmed that the date and time settings on all of my devices, including my MacBook, are accurate and synchronized.


Despite taking these measures, my iCloud sync issue remains unresolved. I have attached screenshots for reference. 



Thanks.

Jul 27, 2023 12:27 PM in response to mario49

Hello mario49,


Thank you for your support and for reviewing the latest information I provided regarding my iCloud Drive sync issue.


As far as I can recall, the sync has been stuck for approximately 50 days, on my MacBook. However, I want to clarify that this issue is specific to my MacBook, as other devices seem to be syncing fine.


Regarding the recent progress, I noticed a significant improvement when I started my MacBook in Safe Mode. During this time, the sync progressed from "18.75 GB of 18.79 GB" to "19.23 GB of 19.28 GB" in less than an hour, which was quite encouraging. However, once I restarted the MacBook in normal mode, the sync got stuck again at "19.23 GB" for the last few hours.


Regarding the iCloud storage space, I have adequate space available to upload my data. I have checked my iCloud storage, and it is well within the limits for my data to sync. The available space on my iCloud plan is 1.85 TB (as you can see in attached screenshot).


For your reference, I have attached the latest screenshot depicting the current status of the iCloud Drive sync on my MacBook.


Thanks.




Jul 28, 2023 04:37 AM in response to chuckbl

Hello chuckbl,


Thank you for your prompt response and for guiding me through the troubleshooting steps. I followed your instructions, and here are the findings:


1. Testing in Safe Mode: Initially, the iCloud Drive sync showed some progress when tested in Safe Mode. However, after leaving my MacBook ON in Safe Mode for almost 9 hours, the sync progress eventually became stuck. During this time, none of the newly created folders and files on the MacBook were syncing with my iPhone and iPad. Unfortunately, Safe Mode (logged in with an old user account) did not prove to be helpful in resolving the sync issue.


2. Testing in a newly created user account: Following your suggestion, I created a new user account on my MacBook and logged in with it. In this new user account, the iCloud sync worked flawlessly between my MacBook, iPhone, and iPad. There were no issues, and all the devices were in perfect sync.


3. Issue in old user account: However, upon switching back to my old user account on the MacBook, the sync issue resurfaced. The iCloud Drive sync got stuck, and none of the files and folders are syncing with iPhone and iPad.


Considering these findings, it becomes evident that the problem is specific to my original user account on the MacBook. The iCloud sync functions seamlessly in a newly created user account, indicating that there might be a conflict or issue within the settings or preferences of my old user account, leading to the sync problem.


I would greatly appreciate your expertise in helping me identify the exact conflict or issue that is affecting the iCloud sync in my original user account. If there are any specific steps you recommend to troubleshoot user-specific settings, or if you require any further information from me, please do let me know.


Thank you once again for your valuable assistance in resolving this matter. I eagerly await your guidance and support.

Jul 28, 2023 07:48 AM in response to im_sma

im_sma,


Based on your findings there is an issue with your original user! The best steps moving forward are to migrate to your new user account or review the differences between the settings on a new user account versus your original.


We understand that this can be a big process, however, it will be necessary to reach a resolution. If you have any additional questions or concerns we'd recommend reaching out for additional support here: Get Support


Take care.

Jul 28, 2023 08:20 AM in response to Drew_7

Hello Drew_7,


Thank you for your response. I just wanted to express my confusion and disappointment with the reply I received. Your response seems rather vague and open-ended. You mentioned that there is an issue with my original user account, and the best steps moving forward would be to migrate to the new user account or review the differences between the settings.


I must clarify that migrating to a new user account is not a simple process for me. My current user account has a significant amount of personalized software installed, and I have been using this account for several years. Migrating to a new user account would be a time-consuming and complex task, especially with all the settings and data I have accumulated over the years.


I was hoping for more specific guidance to pinpoint the exact issue causing the iCloud sync problem in my original user account. Simply suggesting to migrate without a clear understanding of the problem is not a practical solution for me.


Furthermore, I find it surprising that your response seems almost like a copy of my initial findings. I had already mentioned that the issue seems to be related to my original user account, and the iCloud sync works fine in the new user account. I was looking forward to more insightful assistance rather than a repetition of my own observations.


Additionally, I attempted to seek further support through "Get Support," as you suggested. Unfortunately, it seems that I was redirected back to this thread.


I understand that resolving technical issues can be challenging, but I was hoping for a more targeted approach to identify and fix the problem. It is disheartening to receive such an open-ended response that doesn't provide a clear path forward.




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iCloud Sync is not working

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