Mac Mini Photos App not syncing (uploading) photos to iCloud

Hi ejpalmieri,

Based on what you've shared we recommend checking the status of iCloud Photos. Next steps will depend on the error, alert, or general behavior you see. The following page explains in more detail: If your iCloud Photos aren't syncing to your device - Apple Support

Specifically, review the section labeled as such.

What your status message means

If your iCloud Photos aren't syncing, do not turn iCloud Photos off. Syncing with iCloud might be paused for a variety of reasons, including if you turn on certain device settings or need more iCloud storage.

If the behavior persists please share additional details about what you see. More details can help facilitate additional replies from the community.

Cheers.

I posted this solution elsewhere which worked for me. "I was having major trouble for years when my Mac Mini 2014 refused to sync with iPhotos but every other device including Mac Air was virtually instant. Tried everything, resets, kill bird, the works. Then I found out what the issue was on my machine. Basically only on my Mac Mini, I had a couple of test accounts also set up for years in addition to my main account that was having the problems. But my test accounts were also connected to my iCloud and presumably in different states of syncing as I didnt use them that much. Deleting every other account on the Mac Mini that used iCloud removed the problem completely and syncing is pretty quick and hassle free for the first time in years. This may help others. I never saw this solution put out before. "

Hi ejpalmieri,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities.

It sounds like your iCloud upload has stalled. To be clear, if you're trying to use iCloud to clear local Mac storage, this will not help. When you use iCloud Photos, it will sync your photos to iCloud, but once you remove the photos from the device, it is removed from iCloud and also removed from any devices that are signed into your iCloud with iCloud Photos enabled.

What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage? - Apple Support has additional details on the difference in storage types.

If you're unable to complete the upload, make sure that you have enough available iCloud storage to hold all your content. Upgrade if you find that iCloud is full.

Upgrade to iCloud+ - Apple Support

Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network. Disable any third-party security that could have parameters that would prevent the upload from completing.

Regards.