Third party Cloud service not syncing files / photos on iOS mobile in background mode

Question

Level 1

4 points

Third party Cloud service not syncing files / photos on iOS mobile in background mode

I am trying to use 3rd party Cloud service to sync photos on my iOS mobile. I gave the app the permission to run in the background (and the Photos). However, it do not seem to sync the photos on the background mode. I have to open the app for the sync to progress. Specifically, I have tried this with MEGA Cloud and pCloud apps.

Questions

(1) Are there any restrictions in iOS that disables the file syncing to Cloud in background mode or perhaps, there is some setting that I need to enable some how.

(2) Is there a workaround for the sync to work in the background.

iPhone 14, iOS 17

Posted on Oct 7, 2023 7:16 AM

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Answer 1

anoop111 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 22, 2023 6:50 AM in response to Sparks0829

Apologies to get back with more details late.

I indeed did query with the pCloud support. Their response was that their app is unable to provide background sync of photos to pCloud on Apple mobile due to restrictions by Apple. That prompted me to validate their assertion and I tried the MEGA Cloud services on my Apple mobile device (both service provider have some free data quota). Even, MEGA cloud mobile app was unable to sync the files in the background. Both the Apps required that the apps be open for the files to sync.

Coming back, the question therefore is:

Why does Apple restrict 3rd party cloud service providers for background sync functionality (on Apple mobile app). Is that more to maintain monopoly of iCloud? And if that is the case, then isn't this unfair to the millions of users as their choices are indirectly restricted.

Appreciate any insight on the same.

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Answer 2

Sparks0829

Community Specialist

Oct 8, 2023 3:16 PM in response to anoop111

Hi there anoop111,

You would need to reach out to those app developers to see if they can help since this isn't supported by Apple: How to contact an app developer - Apple Support

Take care.

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