Level 1

22 points

Files will not upload to iCloud via iCloud.com

I have been trying to upload several files into my iCloud folder using iCloud.com and each time I get an error message saying "(File Name) couldn't be uploaded. Try uploading the file again later."

I have 1.88 TB (out of 2 TB) of storage space left in my account, so space is not the issue. I have tried uploading in multiple ways...drag-and-drop and using the actual Upload button/tool. Neither works; the error message is the same.

I have never encountered this problem before. Does anyone know why it's happening or how to fix it?

Posted on Nov 3, 2021 3:16 PM

Top-ranking reply

visudo

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Jan 18, 2022 10:06 PM

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.

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66 replies

dirtwulf

Level 1

8 points

Nov 18, 2021 3:41 PM in response to KidKerouac

I am also having this same exact issue.....

Nov 19, 2021 8:48 AM in response to Community User

I'm using Verizon with my iPhone 13 Pro Max, and still can't upload.

Nov 21, 2021 2:24 PM in response to babh

I have also been getting this error for over a week after using on my PC and MAC for many years.

Nov 24, 2021 5:29 AM in response to KidKerouac

Has anyone discovered a fix for this? I am using a macbook pro m1 2021, still having the same issue. Very frustrating!

geekydad

Level 1

24 points

Dec 3, 2021 1:50 PM in response to KidKerouac

Just piping in to say that I have been experiencing this issue too. Google Chrome AND Microsoft Edge, Dell XPS 15 with Windows 11. Hope someone finds a solution soon!

t5un4m1

Level 1

8 points

Dec 7, 2021 9:25 AM in response to KidKerouac

Having the same issue. Tried FF, and Chrome, latest builds as of 12/7/21. I submitted feedback with Apple.

t5un4m1

Level 1

8 points

Dec 7, 2021 9:39 AM in response to Community User

On the phone with Apple support right now actually.

Dec 20, 2021 9:52 AM in response to KidKerouac

Same here :(

Dec 20, 2021 9:55 AM in response to RachelTaiwan

This problem has existed for over two months now . . . wouldn't you think Apple could fix it by now?

Jan 7, 2022 9:14 AM in response to KidKerouac

Uploading files to iCloud appears to be impossible. Tried on iOS, Windows, and Android. All failed.

Jan 15, 2022 4:16 PM in response to ChadCloman

I tried that with a variety of files, and still can't upload (until later, which never happens).

Jan 16, 2022 10:05 AM in response to KidKerouac

Same issue here. I can't upload to my icloud using my PC and firefox or any browser. This has been the case for months now!

Nov 18, 2021 1:48 PM in response to duegowop

Ok my time to chime in. I've been working on this for hours today and opened up 2 tickets with Apple. They claim they never heard of any of this so far.

I have 2 machines (MacBook Pro and Mac mini) with 2 different Apple ID logins. One is hard wired and the other is on WIFI at the house. Every effort to upload anything to iCloud.com using ANY browser all fails much like every one else in this thread.

What I did discover is that using the HOTSPOT from Verizon, my files immediately uploaded w/o any issue or warnings.

Well now isnt that interesting.....

I use Spectrum at home for internet. I did try using 8.8.8.8 as my DNS and that made no difference. Since both hardwired and wifi fail, its not my wifi equipment at home.

My IP isnt blacklisted from Spectrum that I can find but I had private relay (VPN) enabled from Apple on Safari, with a random IP, so I cant blame Spectrum's IP.

Routing?? - I am unsure what to try next but suggest to people that have this issue, try a hotspot on a cell and see if it works.

At least that might lead you down a path....

Nov 19, 2021 5:49 AM in response to dirtwulf

Try a hotspot. Really...Just some some txt file or something.

See if it works. Not sure what that might tell us if it does. My next step today is to connect the MacBook Pro directly to the cable modem bypassing all of my router and firewall gear. But I really dont think thats it as the software has not been changed since June and this all worked back then.

I really thought it would be a DNS issue and I am not 100% sure it isnt yet. But I used 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8 and no difference.

Nov 19, 2021 6:36 AM in response to Community User

Since I cant edit my last post, here is a bit more:

Ok I tried connecting direct to cable modem with Mac laptop. Nothing else. Spectrum gave me a different WAN IP of course and a valid IPv6 address and different DNS servers.

Still nothing. Still no luck.. Epic FAIL.

So that eliminates all of my home network gear and potentially points the finger at Spectrum POSSIBLY.

Unless I am on hotspot - I cant upload to iCloud.

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Files will not upload to iCloud via iCloud.com