iCloud contacts not syncing with 2023 MacMini

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Level 1

10 points

iCloud contacts not syncing with 2023 MacMini

Contacts on my new (2023) Mac Mini are not syncing with the iCloud. I have gotten it to sync on all other devices, but some contacts that I can see in iCloud when looking via Safari are not showing up in Contacts on the Mac Mini and they are showing up in Contacts on all other devices. I have all devices set to retrieve contacts from iCloud. After looking at strings on similar issues with other devices, I set content blockers and pop-up blockers set to "allow" on all devices. It did not correct the problem on the Mac Mini. The problem has persisted on the Mac Mini for months, and I have tried to fix it periodically, even calling Apple Support to no avail. I have my Mac Mini set to update automatically, and am currently running macOS Sonoma 14.0.

Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 10:17 AM

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Answer 1

dns@bclakemn Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 11, 2023 5:30 AM in response to LeleN1

Thanks for your note back. I have only one Apple ID and only one iCloud account. I have confirmed (and Apple Support did also) that my settings are all entered correctly. All of my other devices are synched, as was the iMac 27 I had and replaced with this Mac Mini. The only device that does not sync is my new Mac Mini.

My calendar and email all sync fine. It is just Contacts that won't sync. Moreover, some contacts show up, but not all of them. To the best of my knowledge, the only place I store contacts is in my iCloud account. So, if some show up, why not all of them?

I have had this machine for about 6 months, and the Contacts have never once been synced correctly with the iCloud.

I have called Apple Support about this already. The support rep was very nice, and he spoke with at least on other colleague trying to help solve the problem, but I left the call with at least 3 duplicates of each contact in my iCloud account, and with him telling me to just let it sit for 24 hours to see if it self-corrects. It did not.

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Answer 2

dancymru

Level 1

20 points

Dec 4, 2023 3:26 PM in response to ryane77

Hello - just read this thread, and I have the same issue using my 2023 MacBook Pro - no issues syncing between iCloud.com and my iPhone 15 P Max, nor my old iPad... however I have removed, and re-added Contacts Syncing from my iCloud account, and they arent sync'ing with my MacBook Pro - my Contacts App (14.0 ) just shows no contacts, and a list of my 'Smart Lists' which are also empty.

This appears to be a bug with MacOS Contacts, and there doesn't seem to be an easy fix for users.

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Answer 3

LeleN1

Community Specialist

Oct 10, 2023 9:44 AM in response to dns@bclakemn

Hi dns@bclakemn,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities! "If you use multiple accounts on your Mac like iCloud, Gmail, and Yahoo, make sure that iCloud is your default Contacts account:

Open the Contacts app.
Choose Contacts > Accounts.
Click the iCloud tab. Make sure that you're signed in with your Apple ID and that Contacts is enabled."

Find this guidance in the article If your iCloud Contacts, Calendars, or Reminders won’t sync. If that is set correctly, we also suggest making sure your Mac mini is connected to the internet as an active connection is necessary for the sync process.

Should you need further assistance, contact Apple Support to continue looking into this with you.

Cheers!

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Answer 4

Zotiel

Level 1

8 points

Jan 16, 2024 12:51 PM in response to dns@bclakemn

I have had this problem for years. I have tried everything. It is actually why I started using the signal app because at least there, everything always syncs flawlessly. If it weren't for third party developers - Apple would be utter garbage. Apple can make hardware, but they cannot, for the life of them, make good software. Love that they leave a problem like this on the users for years. I have 2 mac mini's - neither will sync, 2 ipads will sync, my phone syncs. A macbook that refuses sync. On top of all that, what do i have to work with? A single toggle in iCloud. A garbage contacts app that by going to accounts, only brings you to that single toggle switch. Google always syncs, has more settings and features to control this stuff. Apple is just a black box with setting lockout. Contact syncing is pretty **** important, and Apple can't do it! New device, old device, full reinstall, it don't care it won't work because the broken thing is their cloud.

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Answer 5

ryane77

Community Specialist

Oct 11, 2023 5:41 AM in response to dns@bclakemn

Hi dns@bclakemn,

Thanks for following up! If the steps provided by AppleCare didn't clear up the issue, you'll want to get back in contact using this link: Get Support

Have a good one.

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iCloud contacts not syncing with 2023 MacMini

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