Files will not upload to iCloud via iCloud.com

Hi everybody! this is my first post. I've also been living with this issue for the last couple of months and finally decided to have a look into the problem.

In my case, in addition to not being able to upload files to iCloud Drive via a web browser, I am also unable to save changes in my iCloud Notes from a web browser.

As far as I can tell, this is a simple DNS issue which could easily be solved by Apple. You can work around the issue by creating a local hosts file entry so that your web browser can find the IP of an application server which Apple mysteriously removed DNS entries for.

Step 1) Determine which domain name is failing in your case

• Log in to iCloud in a web browser, open dev tools (press f12 to open dev tools in Chrome)
• Navigate to the "Network" tab in dev tools
• Attempt to upload a file to iCloud
• Click on one of the "singleFileUpload" items in the network log
• Take note of the domain name in the Request URL. In my case the domain name is "p30-contentws.icloud.com" yours will probably be the same name but with a different number at the beginning.

Step 2) Find a suitable IP address to use

• open a command prompt/terminal window and run the following command:
  • nslookup contentws.icloud.com
• Take note of any IP address in the list of addresses returned for "contentws.icloud.com"

Step 3) Create a local host file entry for the missing domain name

• Run notepad.exe as administrator then open "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts"
• add the following entry to the bottom of the file:
• 17.178.100.27    p30-contentws.icloud.com
  • replace "p30-contentws.icloud.com" with the domain name you found in Step 1
  • replace "17.178.100.27" with the IP address you chose in Step 2
• Save the hosts file.

• Refresh icloud.com.
• upload files successfully.

Various Notes

• These instructions are written using Chrome on Windows 10 but the same can be achieved with any browser/OS if you know how to operate your computer.
• I'm not a mac user, but I know your hosts file is located at "/etc/hosts". Google "how to edit hosts file on mac" for more details.
• It looks like Apple uses Akamai GTM for DNS load balancing, every time you do an nslookup you get a different list of IPs. Apple probably relies on this technology to update their applications without downtime so it's possible that at some point in time the IP you choose will be offline.
• credit to Hanadark0 for recognizing there was a DNS problem on 12/14/21 (35 days ago). Seriously Apple. Please fix this.

I think I've found the solution.

I renamed my files to be something simple with letters and numbers only. Uploaded fine.

Is your iCloud Drive and desktops and documents box checked Use iCloud Drive to store documents on your Mac and iOS devices - Apple Support , have you changed read and write permissions in home folder Change permissions for files, folders or disks on Mac - Apple Support , what is the size of the file and type of file you are trying to upload Access and manage your files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Get file, folder and disk information on Mac – Apple Support

Read Show or hide filename extensions on Mac - Apple

If you need permission to open an item on Mac - Apple Support

Create a file using text edit and check , see if it works another admin account in users and groups Set up users, guests and groups on Mac - Apple Support

Seeing this issue only with the Web interface and trying to upload that way.

This is NOT happening when I use the iCloud folder in Finder.

Hey, I just started having the same issue within this thread this week. My solution was to email the items to myself and save them to my iCloud from my phone. No, it is not the most convenient but until you have time to go wait at an Apple store or on the phone it should work.

So I have a similar problem, but in your case, is the file name a legitimate? No special characters that aren’t allowed.

Hello KidKerouac,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. From your post, there are issues uploading files to the iCloud website. We'll gladly help out.

If possible, try a different browser and make sure uploads aren't interrupted or too many connections at once which might interrupt the process.

Otherwise, if you still can't find a way to upload it, reach out to Apple Support directly or leave website feedback:

• Get Support
• Feedback - Apple.com Website - Apple

Best regards.

I also am receiving this error when attempting to upload files via a browser. I have tried this with Firefox and Microsoft Edge. Both result in the error described when attempting to upload. I also have a personal account and have tried uploading to via Safari on my Mac and get the same error. I can upload directly from an iPad or iPhone that is connected to this iCloud account without any problems. Something appears to be wrong with the web interface to iCloud accounts.

Error Message:

I've been getting this error for approximately one week while using the same methods I have been using for the past several years.

I have been experiencing the error message saying "(File Name) couldn't be uploaded. Try uploading the file again later." issue since November 14..

Spoke with a senior advisor and was told that engineering was aware of the issue. Have been contacted twice since that no resolution has been reached. Called again today November 21st and was told engineering has still not resolved the issue.

I continue to notice many users are experiencing the same issue.

I just got off the phone with tier 2 support. It would not let him submit my ticket for further support because it says Apple is aware of the issue. Still not fix. Tried on multiple devices, browsers, networks. Nothing works. No issues with account either. He said to check back next week but he couldn't say other than that.

In new admin account if the files are not saving , either you have installed VPN services / anti virus / cleaners / third party apps / softwares if so uninstall them from Mac Install and uninstall apps from the internet or a disc on Mac - Apple Support

Once again visit apple authorised service centre Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support

They will check exactly what is the issue , tell them to sort out and erase the hard drive and reinstall Mac OS How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

With so many people bringing this problem up, it appears to be depending upon Apple's iCloud website interface. Something was updated or revised and the ability to upload files via the internet was compromised. I hope Apple addresses this soon.

This is a cop out. I can upload to other cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, but not iCloud/Apple Drive? We use a VPN because of ransom attacks and alike. Is there no other way? This just started a couple of weeks ago.

Update. Spoke with level 1 support, who then transferred me to level 2. I was told that Apple is aware of the issue. The support specialist said he found this thread and added it to the notes for the issue. Hopefully they will find a solution soon.