iCloud is a popular cloud storage service designed by Apple which allows you to upload pictures, documents, and apps on multiple Apple devices. However, it may sometimes not work properly as expected, and you may face various errors such as the photos not uploading to iCloud from iPhone and iPad.

Do you know how to deal with it? If not, please refer to this full guide from NewsPivot. Here, we present the reasons and workable solutions to this issue. You can feel free to take them and try them out.

Why Are My Photos Not Uploading to iCloud from iPhone/iPad?

In this section, we list some possible reasons why you can’t upload photos and videos to iCloud:

  1. Poor network connection.
  2. Insufficient iCloud storage space.
  3. Incorrect Apple account and iCloud settings.
  4. Temporary system glitches.
  5. Low level of battery.

Related post: How to Fix iCloud Not Backing up All Photos on iPhone/iPad.

Fixes to Photos Not Uploading to iCloud

Restart the Device

Simply restarting your device can solve the iCloud photos not syncing issue due to system glitches. Press and hold the volume-up button and the power button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to the right. Then long-press the power button after a few seconds to restart your iPhone.

Enable iCloud Photos

Before uploading photos to iCloud, the most necessary thing is to enable the iCloud Photos option. To do this:

#Way 1: Launch Settings > Photos > toggle on iCloud Photos.

#Way 2: Launch Settings > tap your name > iCloud > Photos > toggle on iCloud Photos or Sync this iPhone.

toggle on iCloud Photos

Sometimes, your iPhone may become unresponsive after long hours of work. You can try turning that feature off and on again to gain better performance.

Log in to Right Apple Account

The photos not uploading to iCloud issue may happen because you are using the incorrect Apple ID. In such a case, check the credentials to make sure it is right. You can also refresh the iCloud account by resigning it. To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings > tap on your profile > check whether the mail or the phone number is correct.

Step 2: If it isn’t the right Apple ID, scroll down to hit Sign Out, and then enter that Apple ID’s password.

Step 3: Wait for a moment, sign in with your account and try uploading photos to iCloud again.

Tips:
If you want to know how to change the Apple ID password, refer to this guide - How to Change Apple ID Password More Effectively.

Check iCloud Storage Space

iCloud only offers 5GB of free storage for Apple users, which can be consumed fast by a large number of files and photos. Therefore, the insufficient iCloud storage space may be the reason for your photos not syncing to iCloud. Head to Settings > your name > iCloud. In the upper portion of the page, you can see how much storage space is available.

check iCloud storage space

You have two options when there’s no more available storage space: upgrading to iCloud+ for additional space, or deleting some old backups to free up more storage. It’s recommended to choose the former one because it is troublesome to restore the old backups.

Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Since iCloud is a web-based feature, the photos not uploading to iCloud issue may happen if the device isn’t connected to the internet. Therefore, you should check the internet connection and ensure it is available and stable. To do this, disconnect your Wi-Fi by tapping the “i” icon and hitting Forget This Network. Then reconnect it by entering the password.

When you are using Cellular Data to upload photos to iCloud, the device will automatically pause the process to prevent excessive data usage. But if you don’t care about it, go to Settings > Photos > Wireless Data > toggle on Unlimited Updates.

enable Unlimited Updates

Reset Network Settings

Resetting the network settings is another good choice to fix photos not syncing to iCloud. You can follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > General > scroll down to locate Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Select Reset and choose Reset Network Settings from the menu.

Step 3: Input your screen passcode and tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm your action.

Charge the Device

When your iPhone/iPad detects a low level of battery or you enable the Low Power Mode, the upload process will automatically stop to save power. To get rid of the iCloud photos not syncing issue, make sure to connect your device to a charger and then tap on Resume to continue uploading photos. Don’t forget to connect to a stable Wi-Fi and turn off Low Power Mode.

Update iOS to the Latest

Apple releases new updates regularly to enhance device security and fix system glitches, which can improve the device’s performance. Thus, getting the latest iOS or iPadOS can help you to address the photos and videos not uploading to iCloud from iPhone/iPad problem. Here is the guide for you:

Step 1: Go to Settings > tap on General > Software Update.

Step 2: If there is an available update, hit Update Now to download and install the latest iOS version.

Tips:
You may encounter some trouble such as iOS 17 not showing up or iPhone frozen during the iOS update process, just click these links to get fixes.

Bottom Line

After reading this post, you should have a clear mind to solve the photos not uploading to iCloud problem. If your device runs into other issues with iCloud, the solutions above can also be helpful. Have a nice day!

  • linkedin
  • reddit