iCloud is most likely used by anyone who has an Apple device. Apple’s cloud storage service allows you to easily sync photos, calendars, documents, emails, and other data across all of your Apple devices. However, there’s an uncomfortable risk of losing access to all your data if iCloud fails.
In this article, you’ll learn how to fix common iCloud problems. I’ve compiled the most common iCloud problems from across the web along with directions on how to fix them. So, whether iCloud just isn’t loading properly or you can’t sign in to iCloud from your iPhone, you should be able to find a fix for most iCloud issues in this guide.
How Can You Fix Common iCloud Problems?
Every year, millions of people use Apple’s iCloud service to back up documents and data across multiple devices, including the iPhone and iPad. However, issues do occur on occasion. Here’s how to fix common iCloud issues if you come across them.
Never-ending iCloud Settings Update
When signing into iCloud on your iPhone or iPad, a persistent loading screen typically appears, usually during a new device setup.
If you try to use the Files app, you may also see a message stating that iCloud Drive is loading. Alternatively, you might get a notification saying that there’s a communication issue with iCloud and you can’t sign in. Allow at least five minutes before attempting to repair it.
After five minutes, if you’re still at the iCloud updating or loading screen, do the following:
- Turn off your device and wait about a minute before restarting it.
- If your device is not responding, then force restart your iPhone or iPad.
- If you haven’t already, go to Settings and log into iCloud after restarting your device. Then try again with your iCloud apps.
Cannot Connect to iCloud
When your device is unable to connect to iCloud, the first step is to ensure that all of Apple’s systems are operational. Check each iCloud-related application on Apple’s System Status website to see if a green circle is present next to it.
Apple is having issues with that service if it has different shapes in yellow or red. There is nothing you can do if iCloud is currently down other than wait for Apple to fix the problem.
If iCloud is operational, you may be required to agree to new terms and conditions before reconnecting to it. Tap your name at the top of the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll be prompted by a popup to accept any new terms and conditions if available.
In the event that that doesn’t work, sign out of iCloud on your iPhone or iPad, then sign back in. To do so:
- Navigate to Settings > [Your Name].
- Scroll down to sign out.
- Turn off Find My by entering your Apple ID password if prompted.
- Choose which data you’d like to remain on your device (other things you don’t keep will still get saved to iCloud), then tap Sign Out.
- Go back to Settings and sign in again with your Apple ID information.
Data Sync Issues
If iCloud is functioning properly, it syncs everything for you automatically. Unfortunately, iCloud syncing doesn’t always work flawlessly. To resolve any iCloud syncing issue on your iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Turn off your device and wait about a minute before restarting it.
- To test your internet connection, try streaming a video from YouTube or another site. If it’s slow, try restarting your router to see if that helps.
- On each device, go to Settings > [Your Name] and make sure you’re using the same Apple ID account. If not, sign in again using the correct information.
- Navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and enable all of the services
- Allow iCloud about 10 minutes to sync your data.
Third-Party Apps Not Saving to iCloud
Some third-party apps store their data in iCloud, which enables them to sync with all of your Apple devices. They tend to do this automatically, but you might need to make some changes to the settings if apps aren’t syncing as you would like them to.
The iCloud sync options on each of your Apple devices can be checked by following these steps:
- To access iCloud, click on Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Scroll down the list and enable the apps you want to sync via iCloud.
- If an app isn’t listed, contact the developer for more information.
iCloud Authentication Failure
Authentication failure prevents sign-in. This is yet another common iCloud issue that iPhone users encounter.
Try the following steps if you receive this message or other failed authentication messages:
- Navigate to the Apple ID website.
- Sign in with your Apple ID login details
- If you are still unable to sign in, go to Forgot your Apple ID or password to reset the login information.
- You might receive a notification to accept new terms and conditions after logging in online and seeing an account alert for your account. You should be able to sign in once more on your other devices after acknowledging these notices.
Using the above simple solutions to fix common iCloud problems, I believe you should find it easier to deal with any iCloud issues that arise.