How to manually force photo sync between iPhone SE and iPad after iOS update?

I just updated to the latest iOS, after putting off updating to 18 from the beginning. I was concerned about the performance of the new Photos app, since many have complained. I’ve adjusted it to my liking and it’s not too bad.


But now I am having issues with syncing my photos between my iPad and my iPhone. There used to be a little note at the bottom, telling me the current state of the sync, but it’s not there anymore. There doesn’t seem to be any way to manually force a sync, like I used to be able to do. My photos from yesterday did eventually sync between devices, but it took all day.


I should mention that my phone is iPhone SE (don’t remember what year) and that I have not been able to update to iOS 18 because I keep having an error where I don’t have enough storage.



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iPhone SE

Posted on Apr 22, 2025 11:43 AM

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Apr 22, 2025 2:11 PM in response to SongMom8

SongMom8 wrote: There used to be a little note at the bottom, telling me the current state of the sync, but it’s not there anymore.

Just a small point: iPhones don't synchronize with iPads. Rather, iPhones synchronize with iCloud.com, and iPads synchronize with iCloud.com. Since "synchronize" means "keep exactly the same," then it might look like they skip the step in between.


As to your point about the note at the bottom, the thing is, there isn't really a bottom anymore, since the Library connects directly with all the collections. So the Synchronization Indicator moved to what seems to be a rather weird place: the little Apple ID icon in the upper right:


There you can find the Sync info:


As previously, if syncing is paused to avoid using the battery or slowing you down, then it will have a button to urge it on.


Is that what you were looking for?


Since syncing uses the battery, and since lots of people are very anxious about battery drain, the iPhone will avoid syncing when not plugged in. And since syncing uses processing power, and people hate slow downs, the iPhone will avoid syncing while you use it. And since syncing requires bandwidth, the iPhone will avoid syncing when the internet connection is weak.


So, if you want faster syncing, then find good wifi, plug the phone in, and leave it alone.

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How to manually force photo sync between iPhone SE and iPad after iOS update?

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