I always get the download symbols next to files in the iCloud drive in my Finder? I re-download everything when it happens but it takes about 2 hours to do it all and it happens every day. Does anyone know what this symbol means and why its next to all of my files all the time even if i re-download them?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15
Hello lauren_highland,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities. We understand that your files in iCloud Drive always show the download symbol. It sounds like you may have added your Desktop and Documents folder to iCloud Drive. This means the files are stored on iCloud and not on your device. More details can be found in the following guides:
Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive
Thanks again, and have a great day!
As per the article Get file, folder and disk information on Mac - Apple Support
In iCloud: The In iCloud status icon tells you that the folder or file is only in iCloud. You must be connected to the Internet to work with the item, unless you download it to your Mac. Control-click the file, then choose Download Now.
Another reason is short of iCloud storage space .
See some articles to reduce the data https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT204247
https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/macbook-air/apdb468896e0/2019/mac/10.14.5
https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT206996
https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/system-information/syspf5a64aa6/mac
And maybe permissions are not set .
See these articles Change permissions for files, folders or disks on Mac - Apple Support
If you don’t have permission to use files on a Mac disk - Apple Support
Files always need redownloading on finder
