Folders missing in sync iPhone

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Level 1

44 points

Folders missing in sync iPhone

I keep my pictures in separate folders - in my case, in a larger Pictures folder under my user name (and not in Photos / iCloud Photos) on my Mac.

If you open my iPhone for syncing (Finder > my Phone), and click thru the Photos tab, you'll see I have set up 'Sync photos to your device from: Pictures (the route to the main folder), and chosen 'Select folders' - with some sub-folders chosen.

Syncing seems to go off okay, but in reviewing the folders on the iPhone, some of the chosen folders simply aren't there. I have trying unchecking the missing folders in 'Select folders' and re-syncing, then re-enabling them and syncing. Nope. I have fully uninstalled all photos from my iPhone and the sync option and then re-syncing. Nope.

This shouldn't be an iCloud Photos issue because I'm asking the sync to choose a local folder on my computer. Perplexed as to why its only some folders - no rhyme or reason, as far as I can tell.

While I am currently on Monterey, this has been an issue for a couple of OSs now.

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 16

Posted on Dec 19, 2022 5:37 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,433 points

Dec 19, 2022 7:14 AM in response to MleB1

Then have a few suggestions ;

1 - Get Support Choose a product and we’ll find you the best solution.Start now and open an Apple Support Ticket as they are Apple Employees to deal will these types of issues .

2 - Product Feedback - Apple and make it known to Apple regarding this ongoing issue

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Answer 2

MleB1 Author

Level 1

44 points

Dec 19, 2022 12:40 PM in response to Owl-53

Started a ticket and spoke to MacOS Support. Tried renaming the subfolder and then syncing. Nope. Tried moving a photo from missing folder to a folder that does sync. Sync. Photo did not show up in that folder, either.. They suggested the nuclear option (unchecking all folders / deleting photos from iPhone / reinstalling) but I pointed out I had already tried that - and across two OSs and two iPhones - with the same result. Not prepared to try again lest I lose all access to 'On My Mac' photos - and they totally got that. Nothing unusual or different about the sub-folder and all the files in them are the same as elsewhere - either .jpg or .jpeg. And still plenty of room on iPhone for them. They have escalated issue and flagged it - will contact me if Engineering finds a resolution. I'm not holding my breath.

As a BTW - MacOS person was pretty shocked to hear my 2017 Air (sold into 2018 and 2019) was not rated to use Ventura. Not even a hobbled version. Join the club, I told him.

As for 2. - Done. As with with most Feedback, likely lost in the abyss.

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,433 points

Dec 19, 2022 6:30 AM in response to MleB1

Q - " I keep my pictures in separate folders - in my case, in a larger Pictures folder under my user name (and not in Photos / iCloud Photos) on my Mac. "

A - There is the issue " and not in Photos / iCloud Photos) "

A - From the below link - it implies the Photos are kept within the Photos Library on the Computer

Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer - Apple Support (CA)

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Answer 4

MleB1 Author

Level 1

44 points

Dec 19, 2022 7:03 AM in response to Owl-53

I use Finder to access the iPhone and the sync capabilities (once found in iTunes), thanks. And the Photos tab allows you to direct the software to 'look' in a particular location (of your choosing) to access them. It need not be in the MacOS's Photos location. This ability is also available for other tabs and other types of files.

All that said, the sync does complete some of the Pictures > Other sub-folders and make them available on my iPhone's Photos > On My Mac. Just not all. Makes no sense.

And I'm not a fan of the proprietary nature of Apple's Photos app on Mac / iCloud, which is why I don't keep them there.

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Folders missing in sync iPhone

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