Cloudd Process Consuming High Processor Daily

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Nikeboy1973 Author

Level 1

5 points

Cloudd Process Consuming High Processor Daily

Hi,

I've read many threads about the cloudd process consuming high processor % but none of the answers have resolved for my issue...

In my case at about the same time every day (circa 8pm) the cloudd process ramps up exponentially.

At the moment I'm having to run a script to kill of the process nightly but I really would like to find the route cause.

Time ProcessID CPU Name

20:03:14 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:15 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:16 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:18 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:19 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:20 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:21 88287 0.0 cloudd

20:03:22 88287 349.3 cloudd

20:03:23 88287 388.7 cloudd

20:03:24 88287 388.3 cloudd

20:03:25 88287 393.9 cloudd

20:03:27 88287 394.2 cloudd

20:03:28 88287 399.5 cloudd

20:03:29 88287 386.6 cloudd

20:03:30 88287 400.0 cloudd

20:03:31 88287 382.8 cloudd

20:03:32 88287 399.4 cloudd

20:03:33 88287 397.7 cloudd

20:03:35 88287 400.0 cloudd

I assume there is a job or background task that runs but I can't see what it is

What can I look at to see what this daily anomaly is?

Big Sur v11.2.3

iMac (Retina 5k, 27inch, Late 2015)

Processor 3.2Ghz Quad-Core Intel Core i5

Memory 32GB 167 MHz DDR3

iMac 27″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Apr 22, 2021 1:47 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 27, 2021 7:36 AM in response to Nikeboy1973

Hi Nikeboy1973,

Thanks for going through the steps. Since the issue is happening in a different user account as well, we suggest resetting the SMC. This can resolve issues such as the one you're experiencing. For steps on how to do so, click here: How to reset the SMC of your Mac

Also, there was a recent macOS update, so we recommend backing up and updating by following the steps here: How to update the software on your Mac

Back up your Mac

After doing so, make sure all apps are up-to-date: Use the App Store to update apps on Mac

Hope this helps. Reach back out if it doesn't. Best wishes.

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Answer 2

Sheree_P

Community Specialist

Apr 23, 2021 6:28 AM in response to Nikeboy1973

Hey Nikeboy1973,

We see you're experiencing an issue with the "cloudd" process daily. We will do our best to assist. It appears this process is regarding iCloud sync. Is iCloud enabled on your Mac?

Does it happen in a different user account? This will help determine whether it's user account related or system-wide.

If it happens in a different user account, let's check in safe mode. Starting up your Mac in safe mode can help you determine whether issues you’re experiencing are caused by software that loads as your Mac starts up.

How to use safe mode on your Mac

Let us know if you need further assistance. Take care.

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Answer 3

Nikeboy1973 Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 27, 2021 12:42 AM in response to Sheree_P

Hi, thank you for reaching out. Over the last few days I...

Created a new user account and enabled it with iCloud.

The same thing happened with that account (albeit that I was seeing the CPU usage at around 100+

The next evening I started the Mac in safe mode and logged in with the new account. This time there was no CPU spike

In addition (helpful or not)...

On my normal account, I left the Mac running for a few days and of course saw excessive CPU %. When killing the process, the new process created went straight to over 300%. I killed that process and the same again until the 3rd kill. Coincidence that I had it running for 3 nights?

Thanks

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