How to fix iCloud photos not syncing

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To fix iCloud photos not syncing, ensure that you are signed into iCloud on all devices, check your internet connection, and verify that iCloud Photos is enabled in your settings. If issues persist, try restarting your devices or signing out and back into iCloud.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to fix iCloud photos not syncing, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •iCloud account with sufficient storage space.
  • •Compatible devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC).
  • •Updated operating systems (iOS 14 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, Windows 10 or later).
  • •Stable internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended).
  • •Backup important data to avoid loss during troubleshooting.

Method 1: Check iCloud Settings

This method is essential for confirming that iCloud Photos is enabled on your devices.
  • •Step 1: On your iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
  • •Step 2: Ensure 'iCloud Photos' is toggled ON (green).
  • •Step 3: On your Mac, open System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos and check 'iCloud Photos'.
  • •Step 4: Verify by checking the Photos app; your recent photos should appear.
  • •Step 5: If photos are still not syncing, try toggling 'iCloud Photos' OFF and then ON again.

For Windows 11

Follow these steps to check iCloud settings on Windows 11.
  • •Step 1: Open the iCloud app from the Start menu.
  • •Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
  • •Step 3: Ensure 'Photos' is checked and click 'Options'.
  • •Step 4: Confirm 'iCloud Photo Library' is enabled and click 'Done'.

For Windows 10

Use these steps for Windows 10 users.
  • •Step 1: Open the iCloud app from the Start menu.
  • •Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID.
  • •Step 3: Ensure 'Photos' is checked and click 'Options'.
  • •Step 4: Make sure 'iCloud Photo Library' is enabled and click 'Done'.

Method 2: Restart Devices

Sometimes, simply restarting your devices can resolve syncing issues.
  • •Step 1: On iPhone/iPad, press and hold the Side button and Volume Up button until the slider appears, then slide to power off.
  • •Step 2: For Mac, click the Apple menu > Restart.
  • •Step 3: On Windows, click the Start menu > Power > Restart.
  • •Step 4: After restarting, check if photos are syncing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If photos are still not syncing, consider the following common issues and solutions.
  • •Error: 'Photos not syncing' - Solution: Ensure you have enough iCloud storage by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
  • •Issue: 'Photos app not updating' - Fix: Check your internet connection and ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
  • •Problem: 'Photos stuck uploading' - Workaround: Try signing out of iCloud and signing back in via Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips to enhance your experience.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Option + I (Mac) - Opens iCloud settings quickly.
  • •Command line: 'defaults write com.apple.iCloud PhotosSync -bool YES' - Enables iCloud sync via Terminal.
  • •Hidden feature: Optimize iPhone Storage - Access via Settings > Photos to save space on your device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly check your iCloud settings and storage to prevent future syncing issues.