iCloud Photos Not Syncing to Mac

Why iCloud photos may not sync to your Mac

The issue of iCloud not syncing photos to Mac usually comes from some simple but critical system conditions. Common triggers include an unstable internet connection, insufficient iCloud or local storage, low battery power, outdated macOS versions, or using different Apple IDs across devices.

A note from our experts:

 

When iCloud sync fails, digging through every possible fix can waste valuable time, especially if you're unsure where the real issue lies. With MacKeeper's Premium Services, you get a direct path to a working solution through certified Mac support, without having to resort to trial and error.

 

Here’s how to get help from a MacKeeper expert:

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How to fix iCloud photos not syncing on Mac

Follow these steps to get your photo library quickly syncing again:

1. Confirm you’re signed into the same Apple ID on all of your devices.
2. Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos, then toggle Sync this Mac on.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Go to iCloud settings and manage iCloud storage on Mac to free up space.
5. Restart your Mac and reopen the Photos app to trigger syncing.

1. Check your sync status

Our team often begins a fix by checking the sync status in the Photos app. This reveals whether syncing is stuck or paused.

Here’s how to check your sync status:

1. Open the Photos app on your Mac.
2. Select Library from the sidebar.
3. Click All Photos at the top.
4. Scroll to the bottom, then read the iCloud sync status.
5. If paused, consider restarting your Mac or charging it.

2. Make sure your Mac is charging

Our experts recommend plugging in your device during large syncs, especially if power-saving settings are active. This also helps when learning how to back up a MacBook to iCloud.

Keep syncing smoothly by following these steps:

1. Plug your Mac into a reliable power source.
2. Avoid battery-intensive apps during syncing.
3. Go to System Settings > Battery.
4. Turn off Low Power Mode if it’s on.
5. Leave your Mac plugged in while Photos sync.

3. Restart Mac

We often resolve sync issues by restarting the Mac, which clears background glitches and refreshes system processes, especially when iCloud drive taking up space on the Mac is involved.

Try this quick refresh:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
2. Select Restart from the dropdown.
3. Uncheck Reopen windows when logging back in.
4. Click Restart again to confirm.
5. Reopen Photos to check the sync status.

4. Make sure you’re using same Apple ID

You need to be signed in with the same iCloud account on all devices, or syncing won’t happen at all.

Here’s how to confirm your Apple ID:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
2. Click your Apple ID at the top.
3. Make sure it matches the ID on your iPhone.
4. If not, scroll down and select Sign Out.
5. Sign in again with the correct Apple ID.

5. Activate iCloud Photos

If syncing still doesn't work, we advise checking that iCloud Photos is turned on.

Follow these steps to enable syncing:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
2. Select Apple ID, then choose iCloud.
3. Click Photos from the iCloud menu.
4. Toggle on Sync this Mac.
5. Close settings and wait for syncing to begin.

6. Check Wi-Fi connection

Our experts recommend testing your Wi-Fi’s strength and switching to a faster network if needed.

Follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings > Network.
2. Verify you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Switch to a faster or less crowded network.
4. Restart the router if needed.
5. Reopen the Photos app.

7. Turn off Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode may pause background syncing. You should turn it off to allow Photos to sync without restrictions.

Here’s how:

1. Go to System Settings > Battery.
2. Click the dropdown next to Low Power Mode.
3. Select Never.
4. Keep your Mac plugged in.
5. Reopen Photos to resume syncing.

8. Free up more iCloud storage

If your iCloud storage is full, syncing stops. Our team often clears space to get Photos working again.

Try this:

1. Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
2. Click Manage next to storage.
3. Remove old backups or unused files.
4. Upgrade your plan if needed.
5. Resume syncing in Photos.

9. Force quit and reopen photos app

If Photos is stuck, force quitting helps reset the app. We use this trick when the app freezes or won’t sync.

Do the following:

1. Press Command + Option + Esc.
2. Select Photos and click Force Quit.
3. Reopen the app from Launchpad.
4. Check if syncing resumes.

10. Repair Photos library

Corrupt photo libraries often block syncing. Our experts recommend the built-in repair tool to fix this.

Use this method:

1. Hold Option + Command, then open Photos.
2. In the popup, click Repair.
3. Enter your Mac password if prompted.
4. Wait for the process to finish.
5. Relaunch the app and check syncing.

11. Clear DNS cache

A faulty DNS cache can block iCloud. Therefore, flushing it often restores connectivity.

Here’s how:

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
2. Type: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Press Return, then enter your admin password.
4. Restart your Mac.
5. Reopen Photos.

12. Update macOS

Outdated systems cause sync issues. We advise keeping macOS current to avoid bugs.

Follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Click Update Now if available.
3. Let the update install.
4. Restart your Mac.
5. Check the Photos syncing again.

Conclusion

When iCloud Photos are not syncing to Mac, the issue often comes down to simple factors like mismatched Apple IDs, poor internet, low power settings, or full storage. You can usually restore syncing without hassle by checking your sync status, verifying account settings, enabling iCloud Photos, and restarting key system elements. Good luck!

If problems persist, repairing your photo library or updating macOS often solves deeper system issues. If you’d rather skip manual troubleshooting, MacKeeper’s Premium Services offer expert-guided help tailored to your device. With just a few clicks, you can chat with a certified technician who will walk you through a proven fix.