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How to Unpause Syncing with iCloud on iPhone and Mac

July 1, 2025 | 5 minute read
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Hansel Arief
How to unpause syncing with iCloud

How to Unpause Syncing with iCloud

If iCloud sync is paused on your Apple device, your photos, contacts, notes, and files stop updating across devices. This can lead to missing data and out-of-sync information. It's especially frustrating when you're relying on iCloud while switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Here’s how to quickly resume iCloud syncing across devices and get everything working again.

Why iCloud Sync Gets Paused

Before jumping into the fix, it helps to understand why syncing may pause. Some common reasons include:

  • Low Power Mode: When your iPhone is in Low Power Mode, iCloud Photos and backups may pause.
  • Storage Issues: iCloud pauses sync if your iCloud storage or device storage is full.
  • Network Problems: Syncing stops without a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
  • Manual Pausing: You or an app might have paused syncing temporarily, typically to conserve mobile data, especially when abroad.

Let’s walk through how to unpause sync in each of these situations.

How to Unpause iCloud Sync on iPhone or iPad

If you're seeing messages like “Syncing Paused” or “iCloud will resume syncing when this device is connected to power”, here's what to do:

1. Turn Off Low Power Mode

  • Go to Settings > Battery
  • Toggle Low Power Mode off
    Low Power Mode limits background activity, including iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive uploads.

This option could be the cause to your current problem, but this mode is crucial in reducing data usage.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

iCloud requires a stable connection. Ensure:

  • You're connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data
  • Airplane Mode is off if you are using your mobile data
  • VPNs or firewalls aren’t blocking iCloud servers

3. Free Up iCloud or Local Storage

If storage is full:

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage
  • Delete old backups, messages, or unused app data

Note: Deleted data will be gone forever. Take the time to go through your uploads and save them elsewhere before deleting them.

Also check:

  • Settings > General > iPhone Storage to ensure your device has room to sync content.

4. Resume iCloud Photos or Drive Manually

If syncing was paused by you or the system:

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos
  • Toggle iCloud Photos off and on again
  • You can do the same for iCloud Drive under iCloud > iCloud Drive

5. Restart the Device

Sometimes a simple reboot clears temporary sync errors:

  • Press and hold the Power and Volume Down (or just Power for older models) until you see the slider
  • Power off, wait for about 10 seconds, then turn it back on

How to Resume iCloud Syncing on Mac

Paused syncing isn’t just an iPhone issue. On Mac, iCloud can also stall. Here’s how to resolve it:

1. Disable Low Power Mode (macOS Ventura and later)

  • Go to System Settings > Battery
  • Turn Low Power Mode off

2. Check iCloud Status

  • Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud
  • Make sure services like iCloud Drive and Photos are turned on
  • Toggle off and back on if needed

3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi

Spotty Wi-Fi or a captive portal (e.g., hotel login pages) can pause syncing.

  • Disconnect and reconnect to a known network
  • Avoid VPNs if possible as they can interfere with iCloud's background sync

4. Relaunch Finder or Photos App

If iCloud Drive or Photos aren’t syncing:

  • Force-quit and relaunch the apps
  • Or restart your Mac entirely

5. Sign Out and Sign Back into iCloud (Last Resort)

If syncing still doesn’t resume:

  • Go to System Settings > Apple ID
  • Click Sign Out, then sign back in

This can temporarily remove synced data until redownloaded, so only try this if other steps fail.

How to Tell If iCloud Is Syncing Again

After following the steps above, you can confirm syncing has resumed by:

  • Checking iCloud.com to see if changes from your device appear online
  • Looking for a progress bar in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos
  • Seeing updated files appear in the Files app or iCloud Drive folder

Stay in Control of iCloud Sync While Abroad

When iCloud syncing pauses unexpectedly, it can be more than just annoying. It can block access to files, delay photo edits, or stop app data from updating properly. But here’s the catch: resolving these sync issues often requires internet, even if you're not doing a full data-heavy sync.

With Eskimo eSIM, you'd be able to:

  • Check sync status in iCloud settings
  • Toggle iCloud Photos, Drive, or Notes
  • Back up lightweight essentials like contacts, reminders, or Safari data
  • Upload just a few key files or documents you urgently need

This lets you take control of your iCloud experience on the go without waiting for hotel Wi-Fi or risking surprise roaming charges.

Once you're back on a stronger connection, the rest of your data can sync as usual. Until then, Eskimo gives you the connectivity you need to fix the problem and stay productive.

And with Eskimo eSIM, you'd get:

  • Instant internet access in 130+ countries
  • No roaming charges, or SIM swaps
  • High speed, personal hotspot support, and 2-year data validity

Start free with 500MB global data and regain control of your iCloud sync anytime, anywhere.

FAQs

Can I pause iCloud syncing manually?

Yes. For example, you can toggle iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive off in iCloud settings. You can also pause file uploads in the Files app by tapping “Pause Uploads.”

Why does iCloud say "Syncing paused until connected to power"?

This typically appears when Low Power Mode is enabled or your battery is low. iCloud delays syncing to conserve energy.

How long does it take for iCloud to sync?

It depends on file size and connection speed. Small changes sync within seconds, while larger photo libraries or drive folders may take minutes to hours.

What should I do if iCloud sync is stuck?

Try:

  • Toggling the iCloud service off and on
  • Rebooting your device
  • Checking storage and network
  • Updating your device to the latest iOS/macOS version

If nothing works, sign out and back into iCloud as a last resort.

Author Image
Hansel Arief
I've been the Digital Lead for Eskimo eSIM since 2021. My favorite thing to do while travelling is to find lessser-known hidden gems and try authentic, local cuisines.
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