Uploading photos from Mac to iCloud

Question

Level 1

4 points

Uploading photos from Mac to iCloud

Hi All

I have 500GB of photos and videos on my local mac storage that I would like to upload into iCloud. I have tried dragging and dropping into Photo app however it says that certain file types are not supported so the batch that has been dropped is uploaded incompletely. I have also tried drag and drop into iCloud browser but the batch is also uploaded incompletely and says folders are not supported (no folders just jpg, heic and mp4 files).

I recently obtained my photos via apple privacy request from a previous apple account and downloaded the data to my mac. I now need a way to get them all into my new apple account. Is there a robust, efficient or failproof way to do such large upload?

Mac mini, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 21, 2025 03:50 PM

Reply

Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

90,026 points

Jul 21, 2025 06:17 PM in response to amrit-c

Simply import your pictures into Photos and enable iCloud sync. There may be some file types that will not sync or that cannot be stored in photos. See this thread: What Image formats does the photos app su… - Apple Community

Reply

Answer 2

amrit-c Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 22, 2025 03:59 AM in response to muguy

I have tried this but within the 2K batches im uploading it comes up with error Cannot import item, this item cannot be added to your photo library because it may be in an unrecognisable file format or file may not contain valid data for lets say 300 of those 2K. the files it mentions are JPG or HEIC. This then means then that i cant upload in batches and have to make note of those that cant be imported.

Reply

Answer 3

muguy

Level 10

90,026 points

Jul 22, 2025 04:06 AM in response to amrit-c

I suggest using much smaller batches of files. You will need to note items that cannot be imported, yes.

Reply

Answer 4

amrit-c Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 22, 2025 04:23 AM in response to muguy

That should not have to be the case. Photo app should accept jpg uploads, but according to the error it is not a valid file type. please does anyone have a fix?

Reply

Answer 5

muguy

Level 10

90,026 points

Jul 22, 2025 04:45 AM in response to amrit-c

The Photos app does accept jpg files. So, there is likely something amiss with your specific file(s).

Reply