icloud does not sync

On my Macbook Pro, iCloud refuses to sync. Talked to Apple so many times and went through all their solutions until, last week, I tried to fire up in Safe mode and that solved the problem! iCloud syncs immediately in Safe mode.

So obviously there is a problem with an extension but which one? Talked to Appel again and they don't have a clue (not surprised, they often don't)

How can I find the culprit?

I'm on Big Sur but the problem was the same on Catalina

Posted on Jun 10, 2021 4:25 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 11, 2021 2:27 AM

Hey 007Charlie!


If it works in safe mode, my very first step would be to remove the Login Items and restart:


Remove login items to resolve startup problems on your Mac:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/remove-login-items-resolve-startup-problems-mh21210/mac


Likewise, if I more than one iCloud service isn’t syncing, yet works in safe mode, most likely you have some type of networking/security type software running that’s causing an issue.


I might also check out:

System Preferences > Network. On the left column, you’ll see the interfaces, (WiFi, Ethernet, etc.), if you see any type of VPN, highlight it, press the minus sign below and restart and test.


And also in System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Firewall. If it is on, turn it off, restart and test.


If the issue still occurs:

Does this happen for ALL iCloud services? Such as Photos, Contacts, etc.


Do other accounts on your Mac experience the same issues?


Does the same happen while in different locations and/or on another network?


And last, but not least, did this issue start after any particular event? Such as a software installation, an update, a move or any environmental change, such as a change in your internet provider, a new router, or moved to a new location?


And finally, is this issue only happening on your Mac? Or is it also happening on your other devices?


Thanks! Sorry to bombard with questions, the answers may help to find a resolution though. Cheers!

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 11, 2021 2:27 AM in response to 007Charlie

Hey 007Charlie!


If it works in safe mode, my very first step would be to remove the Login Items and restart:


Remove login items to resolve startup problems on your Mac:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/remove-login-items-resolve-startup-problems-mh21210/mac


Likewise, if I more than one iCloud service isn’t syncing, yet works in safe mode, most likely you have some type of networking/security type software running that’s causing an issue.


I might also check out:

System Preferences > Network. On the left column, you’ll see the interfaces, (WiFi, Ethernet, etc.), if you see any type of VPN, highlight it, press the minus sign below and restart and test.


And also in System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Firewall. If it is on, turn it off, restart and test.


If the issue still occurs:

Does this happen for ALL iCloud services? Such as Photos, Contacts, etc.


Do other accounts on your Mac experience the same issues?


Does the same happen while in different locations and/or on another network?


And last, but not least, did this issue start after any particular event? Such as a software installation, an update, a move or any environmental change, such as a change in your internet provider, a new router, or moved to a new location?


And finally, is this issue only happening on your Mac? Or is it also happening on your other devices?


Thanks! Sorry to bombard with questions, the answers may help to find a resolution though. Cheers!

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icloud does not sync

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