My photos used to sync just fine from my iPhone to my MBA, but they aren't lately. If I go to photos on my phone and click my profile photo, it says "2713 photos, 140 videos Synced with iCloud Just Now". But on my laptop, it says "2658 photos, 113 videos".
Is there a way to force a new sync or otherwise fix this?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: photos not syncing to MBA
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.6
OK, you're using an older MacOS version, but that should be all right.
To narrow things down, try these steps:
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
Since syncing uses the battery, and since lots of people are very anxious about battery drain, the MacAir will avoid syncing when not plugged in. And since syncing uses processing power, and people hate slow downs, the MacAir will avoid syncing while you use it. And since syncing requires bandwidth, the MacAir will avoid syncing when the internet connection is weak.
So, if you want faster syncing, then find good wifi, plug the Mac in, and leave it alone.
Let us know what happens…
Can you give us some information?
Let us know so we can help think this through…
Hi! Sonoma 14.6.1. Iphone SE, IOS 18.5
On iCloud.com, I see all the pics (so it's what's in my phone, not my MBA). I don't see the optimize storage setting on either device.
I do have more than 10% on my mac (20%). On my phone, more than 20%. Plenty on my iCloud.
Thanks!
Thanks! I'll try safe mode when I get back into town in a few days--I'm usually plugged in, with great wifi, and often will leave the laptop to walk my dog, so I don't think this is it (also it was syncing fine till a few weeks ago), but I haven't tried going into safe mode, so I'll do that.
Sorry for the delay! Still haven't had a chance to try safe mode, but a new wrinkle just now is that my laptop also just deleted my notes--every one of them! Luckily, they're still in iCloud and in my phone. So something is clearly very wonky with my syncing....
okay, I did restart in safe mode, and still no notes (at all) and no recent photos. I'm going to go walk my dog for a bit, so maybe syncing can happen while we're out. I'll restart normally at that point.
is it time to head into the apple store and ask in person? this is getting a little alarming!
zurzoirder149 wrote: … is it time to head into the apple store and ask in person? this is getting a little alarming!
That's always a good plan, if it's pretty convenient. Being able to see your screen really helps in troubleshooting.
I do notice (looking for the first time) that I have more photos and videos listed on my Mac than on my phone. My iPad and iCloud.com show the same as my phone. (I don't take many pictures with my phone-- most go from my Nikon or scanner to the Mac first.) Photos tries to avoid duplicates as it syncs, so I wonder if it has skipped some pictures because it thinks that they are duplicates. My Mac shows 200 duplicates, but my phone shows less than 20.
How about you?
When you leave the computer, leave Photos in the background, or closed, so that it doesn't thing that you're using it. And see how it performs in Safe Mode, but be sure to go back to normal.
Restarted normally, and my notes came back...but still no change to photos!
Unable to sync photos from iPhone to MacBook Air on iCloud
