13 Fixes for iCloud Photos Not Syncing on iPhone/iPad/Mac/PC

As an Apple user, you surely must be aware of the amazing iCloud Photos for iPhone. This feature allows you to effortlessly access and back up every photo and video you capture from anywhere on any device. The best part is that it automatically syncs your photos across all devices, ensuring you never miss a moment. How exciting is that?

However, there may be instances where, due to technical difficulties, your Apple devices may pause the photo-syncing process. And, if your iCloud Photos aren’t syncing properly, you might miss out on some really special memories.

But don’t worry! Just like there’s a solution for everything, there are some quick fixes for iCloud photos not syncing to your device as well. Below, we have rounded up 13 ways to resolve this issue and get your devices back to syncing!

Why Is iCloud Photos Not Syncing?

There are a few reasons why iCloud Photos might not be syncing. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Internet Connection Not Working Properly: If your internet connection is slow or unstable, it can cause problems with syncing.
• iCloud Storage Is Full: If your iCloud storage is full, it will come in the way of iCloud Photos syncing with your devices.
• Outdated Device: Make sure your device is running the latest software to fix bugs that can cause problems with iCloud Photos.
• Issue With iCloud Account: If there is a problem with your iCloud account, it can also cause syncing problems with iCloud Photos.
• Problem with iCloud Photos: In rare cases, there can be problems with the iCloud Photos service itself. Wait for the service to get restored by Apple.

Regardless of what is causing iCloud Photos not syncing on your devices, below you will find tried and tested ways to fix it.

Best Alternative Way to Sync Photos When iCloud Photos Not Syncing

If iCloud Photos is not syncing to your PC, you can always use a professional iOS data transfer tool, like AnyTrans, to help with the process. AnyTrans is an easy and secure tool to transfer all of your iCloud photos and other data! With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly transfer photos between iCloud accounts, add photos from your computer to iCloud or vice versa, and sync your photos across all your devices. Most importantly, AnyTrans supports all iPhone and iPad models and iOS versions. And you can learn more about AnyTrans below.

• Sync all iCloud data – Photos, videos, contacts, calendars, and more. All data in iCloud can be synced and managed through AnyTrans.
• Selective or batch transfer – You can sync all iCloud data with 1 click. And you are also free to view and select the contents you need to sync.
• Full-way iCloud manager – You can sync iCloud data to iPhone/iPad, merge two iCloud accounts, transfer iCloud data to computer, add data from computer to iCloud, etc.
• Not only iCloud – AnyTrans can also help you manage and transfer iTunes backups and transfer iPhone data directly to iPhone/iPad/computer.
• 100% safe and confidential – AnyTrans always puts your data security first, ensuring that all your data will not be leaked to anyone else.

If you encounter the iCloud photos not syncing problem, just free download AnyTrans to sync your photos in simple clicks.

Step 1. Open AnyTrans on your computer, select the iCloud Manager option from the menu on the left, and sign in to your iCloud account.

Step 2. Once you have logged in, click on Photos on the right and select the photos you want to sync.

Step 3. You can click on Download to sync your photos to your PC. Or you can also click Sync to sync photos across different iCloud accounts.

Step 4. Once the transfer is complete, you will see the following interface.

How to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing Between iPhone/iPad

If you’re trying to sync iCloud Photos on your iPhone or iPad and facing issues, don’t worry! Below are 6 possible fixes to iCloud Photos not syncing on iPhone/iPad:

Fix 1. Check Your Internet Connection

One reason why iCloud Photos might not be syncing between iPhone or iPad could be an unstable internet connection. Therefore, try restarting your Wi-Fi device, and if it doesn’t work, try connecting to any other available Wi-Fi network.

Fix 2. Check Your iCloud Storage

There’s a possibility that your iCloud storage is full, causing iCloud Photos not syncing on your device. To check iCloud storage:

• Go to “Settings > Apple ID > iCloud” and see the storage space.

You can try the next quick fix if your iCloud storage space is not full.

Fix 3. Restart iPhone/iPad

Restarting your device usually resolves any petty issues caused by a system glitch. Therefore, try restarting your iPhone/iPad to see if it resolves the iCloud Photos not syncing issue. Here’s what to do:

• For iPhone 6 and Earlier: Press and hold the home and power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7 Series: Press and hold the volume down and power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 8 and Later: Press and release the volume up button, and do the same for the volume down button. Now press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPad with a Home Button:

1. Press and hold the home and power buttons simultaneously until the “Power Off” slider appears.
2. Continue pressing the buttons till the screen goes black.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.

For iPads without a Home Button:

1. Press and release the volume down button.
2. Press and release the volume up button.
3. Press and hold the power button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears.

In most cases restarting your devices will resolve the issue. If not, then you can try the following method.

Fix 4. Disable and Enable iCloud Photo Library

You can also try disabling iCloud Photo Library to see if it resolves the iCloud Photos not syncing issue. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Go to “Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos.”

Step 2. Turn off the toggle for “iPhone Photo Library,” restart your device, and turn it on again.

Fix 5. Sign out and Sign in Your Apple ID

Another quick fix for the iCloud Photos not syncing issue is to sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Here are the steps for it:

Step 1. Go to “Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out.”

Step 2. Now wait for several minutes before signing in to your Apple ID.

If this also does not resolve the issue, your device may be outdated.

Fix 6. Update Your Device

If your iCloud Photos is not syncing on your iPhone/iPad, try updating your device. To update your iOS:

Step 1. Go to “Settings > General > Software Update” and check if a new update is pending.

Step 2. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”

However, if your iPhone is up-to-date and iCloud Photos is still not syncing, maybe there’s an underlying technical issue. Therefore, we suggest contacting Apple Support to get your device checked.

These were all the possible fixes for iCloud Photos not syncing between iPhone/iPad. But if you’re facing the same issue on your Mac or PC, we’ve got some solutions in the following section.

How to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing with Mac/PC

If your iCloud Photos are not syncing on your Mac or PC, we’ve got your back! In this part, you’ll find 6 solutions to get iCloud Photos syncing again on your Mac.

Fix 1. Check Your Apple ID

If you have multiple Apple IDs, there’s a possibility that you’re not signed in on your Mac with the same Apple ID as on the other devices that you want to sync it to. Therefore, check your Apple ID. Here’s how:

Step 1. Go to “System Preferences > Apple ID” to see if it’s the same ID.

Step 2. If it’s not the same one, click on “Sign Out” under the iCloud tab and sign in using the same ID as on your other devices.

Fix 2. Turn off and on iCloud Photos

A glitch with the iCloud Photos app could also cause it to not sync with your Mac or PC. Therefore, try turning the app off and on. Here’s how:

1. Go to “Photos > Preferences > iCloud” and uncheck the “iCloud Photos” option.
2. Wait for several minutes, restart your Mac and place a check next to it again.

If there is a glitch with the app, this method will remove it and sync your iCloud Photos. However, if this method doesn’t work, try the next quick fix on our list.

Fix 3. Turn off and on the Sync Option

If the iCloud Photos app is not the issue, maybe there’s a glitch with the sync option. You can always turn it off and on to see if iCloud Photos syncs with your Mac again. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1. Go to “System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos” and turn the toggle off for “Sync this Mac.”

Step 2. Now restart your device, and turn the toggle on.

Fix 4. Restart Mac/PC

If turning iCloud Photos sync on and off does not resolve the iCloud Photos not syncing issue, try restarting your PC.

• Go to “Apple Menu > Restart” to restart your Mac.

If a system glitch is causing iCloud Photos not syncing, it will be removed, and the syncing process will initiate again.

However, if you are still facing the same issue, maybe your iCloud service requires upgradation.

Fix 5. Update the iCloud Service

If you are out of storage space on your Mac, updating the iCloud service may help you get your iCloud Photos in sync again. To update it:

Step 1. Go to “System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud.”

Step 2. Now click on “Manage > Buy More Storage.”

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID to confirm your selection.

Fix 6. Update the Operating System

If nothing else works, maybe your macOS is out of date and needs to be updated. To update it to the latest version, follow these steps:

• Go to “System Settings > General > Software Update” to download and install the latest version.

Again, updating your OS is the last resort. If, even after updating it, you are still facing the iCloud Photos not syncing issue, then there might be a problem with the hardware, or the issue may be more technical than we imagined.

Therefore, we suggest contacting Apple Support and getting your device checked for any hardware or technical issues.

The Bottom Line

It is not uncommon for Apple users to face issues with their Apple ID or iCloud. However, no matter the issue, there is always a solution for it. Similarly, if you are facing problems like iCloud Photos not syncing to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, there could be multiple reasons for it. Regardless of the reason, we have put together 13 ways in which you can resolve this issue.

While most of the fixes are simple hacks to help you with the issue, you can always rely on AnyTrans to get the job done in no time! Whether you are using an iPhone, iPad or Mac, AnyTrans can help you sync your photos or other data in just a few clicks. Just free download AnyTrans to have a try now!