Updated October 2026 by the Go Mobile repair team
Check that you are signed in to the same Apple Account on every device, that iCloud Drive is turned on, and that your iCloud storage is not full. Connect to Wi-Fi, turn off Low Power Mode and Low Data Mode, and restart. Also check Apple’s System Status page in case iCloud itself is having problems.
Start with the basics
- Same Apple Account everywhere. On iPhone, tap your name at the top of Settings. On Mac, open System Settings and click your name.
- iCloud Drive is on. iPhone: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Drive. Mac: System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Drive.
- Storage is not full. Check Settings > [your name] > iCloud. If storage is full, nothing new will upload.
- Good internet connection. Large files sync best on Wi-Fi.
Settings that pause syncing
- Low Power Mode can pause iCloud uploads. Turn it off in Settings > Battery, or plug the phone in.
- Low Data Mode on Wi-Fi or cellular can also pause syncing.
- Cellular data for iCloud Drive may be off. Check Settings > Cellular and allow iCloud Drive if you want it to sync away from Wi-Fi.
- Date and time should be set automatically in Settings > General > Date & Time.
Check if iCloud is down
Apple runs a public System Status page that shows whether iCloud Drive, iCloud Photos and other services are working. If there is an outage, wait for Apple to fix it.
Restart and update
Restart every device involved and install the latest iOS, iPadOS or macOS update. Sync bugs are sometimes fixed in updates.
Last resort: sign out and back in
Signing out of your Apple Account and back in can reset sync, but first make sure your important files and photos are backed up. When asked, keep a copy of your data on the device. Our guide on backing up your phone walks through it.
When it is not a sync problem
If your iPhone or Mac is very slow, keeps restarting or has a failing drive, sync may fail because of hardware. Bring it to Go Mobile at 5600 Albemarle Rd in East Charlotte for a free quote. See iPhone repair or MacBook repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my iCloud Drive files not syncing?
The usual causes are full iCloud storage, iCloud Drive turned off, Low Power Mode, a weak connection or different Apple Accounts on each device.
Does Low Power Mode stop iCloud from syncing?
It can pause iCloud uploads until you turn it off or plug the device in.
Will signing out of iCloud delete my files?
Files stay in iCloud, but back up first and choose to keep a copy on the device when asked.
How do I know if iCloud is down?
Check Apple’s System Status page, which shows the status of iCloud services.
Device acting up?
If it is a hardware problem, get a free quote at Go Mobile, 5600 Albemarle Rd, Suite 600, Charlotte.