iCloud not syncing across devices ipad, iphone, MacAir

Hey Anchored!

As Srbwanderer had mentioned, it's most likely a network connectivity issue, even if you have the best fiber connection in the world, I've seen other apps installed that totally thwart the connection processes.

In my experience, VPN's and other security type software just causes more problems than good, I'd first check for and remove this software > restart to test:

Learn about network issues related to VPN and other software

Otherwise, if you don't use anything like this, a few tests may help, such as Safe Mode:

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple SupportOfficial Apple Support › guide › mac-help › mac

As well as in another user account:

Add a user or group on Mac - Apple SupportOfficial Apple Support › guide › mac-help › mac

This may tell you if software running in the background is causing an issue, if it's a file system issue, OR if there is some process, permission or app launching at login causing the problem.

If it works fine in another user account, first check for and remove Login Items and Restart to test:

Remove login items to resolve startup problems on your MacOfficial Apple Support › guide › mac-help › mac

Otherwise, testing with another network if possible is always a good step. Believe me, as I've seen, even if other devices work fine on the same network, I've seen one particular device just not work, until I disconnected the modem, plugged in again after a minute and tried again.

Some internet providers, such as Xfinity/ComCast even have an app that "Pauses" targeted devices, effectively disabling internet on on of the devices on the network.

Anyhow, there can be many causes, even wireless interference at the location you're at:

Solve internet connection problems on Mac - Apple SupportOfficial Apple Support › guide › mac-help › mac

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access pointsOfficial Apple Support › en-us

Anyhow, those tests as I mentioned will reveal a lot, just let us know how it goes, glad to help if I'm here, or able to, as anyone here.

Hello anchored,

There are few variables when it comes to syncing content that always need to be considered.

One of the most important is to have a solid Internet connection. Each device requires a strong connection to be able to upload/download in a timely manner.

This information outlined on How iCloud keeps information up to date across all your devices - Apple Support, should help keep everything updated all the devices:

Store information in iCloud and access it everywhere

If you turn on iCloud for an app or feature, you store information in the cloud instead of locally on your device. Because it’s stored in iCloud, you can access it anywhere you’re signed in with your Apple ID. To see the same information on each device, just sign in with the same Apple ID.

For example, if you sign in to your iPhone with your Apple ID and turn on Contacts in iCloud settings, the contacts you create in the Contacts app on your iPhone are stored in the cloud.

If you also sign in to your Mac with your Apple ID and turn on Contacts in iCloud settings, you see those iCloud contacts in the Contacts app on your Mac.

Because your information is stored in the cloud, if you make a change in one place, you see it everywhere. So if you add a new contact or change a contact’s email address on your iPhone, those changes are saved in iCloud. The next time your Mac goes online, you can see the updated contacts in the Contacts app on your Mac.

For some apps and features, you can use iCloud to share and collaborate. The content you share stays up to date for everyone. See Use iCloud to share and collaborate.

There is additional information on that page that could be useful.

On the laptop, make sure that wherever you are saving files is included in iCloud Drive. The Mac should automatically upload any files located there: Set up iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Cheers.

Awesome, glad to hear it!