9 Ways to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing? [with Alternative]

Jul 10, 2025 / Updated by Jenefey Aaron to Solution

With iCloud Photos, you can ensure your cherished photos and videos are always accessible in the cloud. But this time, your media files aren't updating. This iCloud Photos not syncing issue can stem from various causes, from simple network issues to complex glitches. Don't worry, as these issues have straightforward solutions. This article will share nine fixes for when iCloud does not sync photos, providing instructions to help you get your library syncing again.

Guide List

How Long Does It Take to Sync Photos with iCloud 9 Ways to iCloud Photos Not Syncing [Stop, Stuck, or at Very Slow Speed] Fast Transfer Photos from and to iPhone with iCloud Alternative

How Long Does It Take to Sync Photos with iCloud

Syncing photos with iCloud can vary in duration depending on several factors, including the size of your photo library, connection speed, file size, device condition, and iCloud storage capacity. If you have fewer than 1,000 photos, syncing may take a few minutes to an hour; if you have more than 1,000, it may take a few hours. But for syncing an extensive library, it's often an overnight process. Just ensure a strong internet connection to process your media files effectively. Otherwise, your iCloud photos will not be synced.

9 Ways to iCloud Photos Not Syncing [Stop, Stuck, or at Very Slow Speed]

If your iCloud Photos are not syncing, stuck, or not moving at all, it can be frustrating. To help you resolve this issue, below are nine common reasons this can happen, along with suggestions on how to quickly resolve each one.

1.Insufficient iCloud Storage - Check for Available Storage

When your storage is full or almost full, you'll surely face the iCloud Photos not syncing issue for new content. Although your iOS device is functioning correctly, you cannot upload media files without sufficient storage space.

1. Head to "Settings" and then tap on your "Apple ID".
2. Go to "iCloud" and select "Manage Storage"; check here if there's enough space available for the incoming media files.

2.Poor Connection - Switch to a Stronger Network

A weak internet connection is among the common reasons why iCloud Photos stops syncing or slows down. Both uploading and downloading require a strong signal, especially when dealing with large albums and video files.

1. Make sure your iOS device is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.
2. If not, try switching to another available robust network.

3.iCloud Photos is Disabled - Enable iCloud on iOS Device

If iCloud Photos is not turned on, of course, your device simply won't sync anything to iCloud. This option must be activated manually and kept enabled throughout the syncing process.

1. Run "Setting", tap on your "Apple ID" above, then select "iCloud" and go to "Photos".
2. There, ensure the "iCloud Photos" switch is toggled "ON".
3. After that, you can check if iCloud photos are still not syncing.

4.Outdated iOS Version - Update to the Latest iOS

An outdated iOS version can lead to compatibility issues with iCloud and other features, which leads to iCloud photos sync stuck. Since updates include bug fixes, check the latest iOS version available now to resolve iCloud Photos sync problems immediately.

1. In "Settings", tap on "General".
2. Then tap "Software Updates" to check if an update is available.
3. If so, tap the "Update Now" button.

5.Photos App Glitching - Force Quit then Reopen

Sometimes, the Photos app itself is the cause of the problem, resulting in photos not uploading to iCloud issue. A simple force quit here can freshen up the app and restart the syncing operation.

1. Swipe up from the bottom (double-press the Home button for iPhones without a Face ID) to access the "App Switcher".
2. Swipe up the "Photos" app to force quit.
3. Reopen the app after a while.

6.Files Are Too Large - Move Them to Another Place

Although iCloud is said to transfer everything from iPhone to iPhone/Mac, it can’t deal with large files. If you have a large number of video files or high-resolution images, you may encounter issues uploading due to size restrictions. Try moving them manually to speed up the process and free up space for smaller files to sync.

7.Minor Software Glitches - Restart Your Device

Another simple fix to try is restarting your device, which can resolve temporary bugs and minor glitches that interfere with iCloud syncing. Doing so refreshes the background processes and may resolve the iCloud Photo Library not syncing on iOS.

1. Hold the "Power" button (and the "Volume Down" button for iPhones without a Home button), then slide to power off.
2. Later, turn your iPhone back on.

8.Incorrect Network Settings - Reset Network Settings

With incorrect networking settings, communication with iCloud servers may be blocked and iCloud photos are not synced. Reset these settings to get out of the issue without affecting your personal data.

1. Go to "Settings", then "General", and scroll down to the "Transfer or Reset iPhone".
2. From this page, tap on "Reset" and select "Reset Network Settings".
3. Confirm the action.

9.Apple System Status Issues - Check the Status Page

Sometimes, the issue may not be on your end; Apple's iCloud servers may be facing slow service at the moment. Please check the official system status page to confirm.

Fast Transfer Photos from and to iPhone with iCloud Alternative

Besides avoiding the iCloud Photos not syncing issue, when it comes to transferring photos quickly between iOS devices, iCloud is not always the fastest and most convenient option. Sometimes, you need a reliable alternative that offers speed, flexibility, and ease of use, and that's where AnyRec PhoneMover comes in. This tool lets you transfer photos and other data between iPhones with just a few clicks. It also supports bulk transfer, saving you time when moving libraries, all without compromising the quality. Even for those first-time users, the overall transferring process is smooth and hassle-free. You can even regard it as iCloud alternative for Android phones.

PhoneMover

Offer fast, direct transfer between iOS devices (all versions) and computers.

Support bulk photo transfer with original quality preservation.

Preview each image before transferring, and decide whether to keep it or delete it.

Safe and secure data transfer without risking other existing data.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure Download

Step 1.Open AnyRec PhoneMover and connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable. If prompted, tap "Trust" to allow the connection. You can also scan the QR code displayed on the main screen to link your iOS device quickly.

Step 2.After your iPhone is connected, it will show the information on your screen. From the left sidebar, choose "Photos". Your photos and library will be displayed; please check the boxes of specific photos or albums you wish to move.

Step 3.When you've made your selections, click the "Export to Device" button, and pick the other iPhone as the target device. The transfer will start instantly. Please wait until all photos are moved. Using this tool will avoid iCloud photos not syncing problem!

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the iCloud Photos not syncing issue is a headache, but this issue can be resolved by checking your storage, ensuring a stable connection, updating iOS, and other simple fixes. However, if you try all those steps and still face syncing problems, consider the reliable AnyRec PhoneMover as an iCloud alternative. For fast and smooth photo transfer between iOS devices, this excellent tool stands out as the best solution, offering direct, secure, and high-quality transfers with just a few clicks.