"Resume Syncing with iCloud?" -- Photos app says "poor connection" but it's actually VERY FAST.

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Level 1

4 points

"Resume Syncing with iCloud?" -- Photos app says "poor connection" but it's actually VERY FAST.

This is a long-existing problem, and I've never found a satisfying explanation. Got help?

My iPhone 15 Pro will, of course, show a just-taken photo in Photos immediately. But, when I open Photos app on my Mac, the sync function is not automatic. Photos app asks me if I want to resume syncing with iCloud, and warns that I've got a poor internet connection. WHAT?

My Mac Mini (with M2 Pro chip) is hardline-connected to my router and my cable internet speed is 800 Mbps. Even with my VPN service on (which slows service), my Ookla Speedtest results are never under 300 Mbps, with an average ping of 10-15 milliseconds. Point is: MY HARDWARE AND CONNECTIONS ARE GREAT.

SO.....

Why is Photos not syncing immediately, every time, without pause?

Or, why does Apple think my internet speed is slow when it's blazing fast?

Thanks!

Mac mini, macOS 14.7

Posted on Jul 19, 2025 11:53 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 20, 2025 07:12 AM in response to iHooked

First thought-- dump the VPN. They don't do much good, and they are known to interfere with background processes.

Then try this: Make a new user and see if the same problem recurs with it. A new user can't access a different user's stuff, so you would need to move your Library out of your own user's Pictures folder up to the general "Users" folder.

Have you already tried these things:

Restart the computer (of course)
Re-start in Safe Mode. This bypasses certain potentially disruptive processes, and it often helps. Safe Mode is different for different computers, so see this:

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Let us know…

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Answer 2

iHooked Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 20, 2025 08:30 AM in response to Richard.Taylor

Thanks for your suggestions.

No, I won't dump VPN because I believe it is protecting me--all my devices. But, that said, your first thought was correct!

I just temporarily disabled the VPN and the

"Syncing with iCloud Paused. / Poor Network Connection · Sync Now"

message has disappeared. This is curious because, with VPN on, my Ookla Speedtest just reported 15ms ping / 447 Mbps down / 39 Mbps up.

Now, I know that the mere fact that I've got a VPN service turned on will interfere with MacOS functionality. Lame, but at least I know a workaround.

Thanks, again! I hope this post will help others in the future. Best wishes, VPN users!

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