"My iCloud Photos is stuck on syncing and unable to sync photos, how to fix iCloud Photos not syncing?" As an important Apple service, iCloud Photos enables users to store their photos and videos in the cloud. So that they can access the media files on all Apple devices and the web. If iCloud Photos is not syncing, you are left in the lurch. This article tells you 6 effective solutions and an ultimate alternative.

Part 1: Why Photos Not Sync with iCloud

While iCloud Photos is a convenient feature and works pretty reliably, you may face occasional technical glitches. The reasons why aren't my photos moving to iCloud are complicated. The main factors leading to the problem include:

1. Improper settings. By default, iCloud Photos is disabled. You need to set it up correctly.

2. Poor internet connection. iCloud Photos is a cloud-based service. If your iPhone is offline or connecting to a poor connection, iCloud Photos won’t sync.

3. Insufficient storage. iCloud provides 5GB of free storage for each user. If your iCloud lacks storage, photos won’t sync.

4. iCloud Photo syncing gets stuck.

5. Outdated software.

Part 2: How to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing

Solution 1: Turn on Sync This iPhone

Sometimes, you disable iCloud Photos accidentally. Then moving photos from iPhone to iCloud will stop. You should check the configuration and re-turn on this feature in the Settings app.

Step 1. Run the Settings app from your home screen.

Step 2. Tap on your profile, choose the iCloud option, and press Photos.

Step 3. Make sure to toggle on the switch to Sync this iPhone. If it is already turned on, toggle it off, and turn the option back on.

Solution 2: Check Internet Connection

As a cloud-based service, you need a reliable Internet connection to transfer photos to iCloud. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection and iCloud Photos stops syncing, switch to cellular data or vice versa.

Step 1. Open your Settings app.

Step 2. Choose the Photos option, and tap Mobile Data.

Step 3. Toggle on the Mobile Data option if you want to sync iCloud Photos on your iPhone through mobile data. To sync photos via Wi-Fi, toggle off Mobile Data.

Solution 3: Free up iCloud Storage

By default, you only have 5GB of iCloud storage. If the storage becomes insufficient, iCloud Photos will stop syncing. You have two choices, changing your storage plan or freeing up iCloud storage.

Step 1. Tap on your profile in the Settings app.

Step 2. Choose the iCloud option, tap Manage Storage, and check the used storage.

Step 3. If you want to keep all data on iCloud, tap Change Storage Plan, and subscribe to a plan. If your iPhone says not enough storage, you can choose an unwanted app, and tap Delete Data to free up space.

Solution 4: Force Restart iPhone

If iCloud Photos not syncing and your iPhone gets stuck, you can force restart your iPhone to fix the problem. Unlike the standard restart process, you need to use button combinations to complete it.

For iPhone 8 or newer, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, and keep pressing the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus, hold down the Volume Down + Side buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s or earlier, long press the Home+ Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time until the Apple logo shows up.

Solution 5: Update Software

Outdated software is a big problem. Apple fixes bugs and releases new features. Therefore, experts suggest users keep their iOS up to date. It may fix the iCloud Photos not syncing problem.

Step 1. Run your Settings app.

Step 2. Navigate to General and then Software Update.

Step 3. The iOS will look for updates available. If there is an update, tap the Download and Install button. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your software.

Solution 6: Force iCloud Photos Sync

Another solution is forcing iCloud Photos to sync. You can sync your photos in your Photos app to iCloud directly when your internet connection is poor. The task will begin when you connect to a stable Wi-Fi.

Open the Photos app on your iPhone, enter the Recents album, and you will see a status message at the bottom, saying Optimizing System Performance or similar. Tap the Sync Now button next to the message to force iCloud Photos to sync manually.

Part 3: How to Sync Photos from iPhone Without iCloud

If you have tried the solutions above but iCloud Photos is still not syncing, you’d better look for an alternative to back up your photos. Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer, for instance, enables you to sync photos from iPhone to computer quickly.

How to Sync Photos from iPhone Without iCloud

Step 1. Connect to your iPhone

Download the screen remover and install it. When you launch the program, click the Screen Time section. Then, use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.

Step 2. Preview photos

After data scanning, go to the Photos tab on the left sidebar. Here you can go to an album and view the photos on your iPhone.

Step 3. Sync iPhone photos

Next, click the PC button on the top ribbon, and choose Export to PC. Then select a destination folder, and transfer the photos from your iPhone to your PC.

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