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Issue Downloading Originals to Mac

I am trying to transfer photos form my current iCloud ID to a new one that I have created. I was told by Apple Support that the best way to do this would be to toggle the Download Originals to Mac option in Photos on my Macbook. Then, sign out of my current ID, sign back in with the new ID and then sync the photos.


Once I toggled the 'Download Originals to Mac' option, at the bottom of my library, I saw a counter indicating how many photos are left to download. This counter is no longer showing so I guess it is right to assume everything is now downloaded to the Mac.


The issue: When I attempt to sign out of my Apple ID on the Mac, I get a message saying that iCloud is Currently Updating and '5027 low-resolution photos and videos will be removed from this Mac.'

The 5027 number has not changed for a number of hours. Also, the total Photos space taken on my Mac currently (319GB) is greater than the size of Photos that is showing up on my iPhone (313GB), despite both devices showing the same number of Photos and Videos.


Anyway, how can I force the 5027 photos and videos to download to the Mac in original quality>?


Thanks

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Mar 16, 2024 4:22 AM

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User profile for user: Richard.Taylor
Richard.Taylor
User level: Level 6
17,447 points

Posted on Mar 16, 2024 6:45 AM

At the bottom of the Library view it should say something like this:


If it says nothing, then that's suspicious. Photos>Settings>General should have "Use as System Library" grayed out, indicating that this is your System Library, the only one that can sync with iCloud. Photos>Settings>iCloud should show that you are using iCloud and have "Download Originals" checked.


As to forcing download, try setting up a Slide show of all your pictures-- select all in Library and do File>Play Slideshow. I think it has to load originals for this. What certainly works is to select all and print (not to paper!), and choose Print to PDF. You'll get a big file that you can then delete.

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User profile for user: Richard.Taylor
Richard.Taylor
User level: Level 6
17,447 points

Mar 16, 2024 6:45 AM in response to Community User

At the bottom of the Library view it should say something like this:


If it says nothing, then that's suspicious. Photos>Settings>General should have "Use as System Library" grayed out, indicating that this is your System Library, the only one that can sync with iCloud. Photos>Settings>iCloud should show that you are using iCloud and have "Download Originals" checked.


As to forcing download, try setting up a Slide show of all your pictures-- select all in Library and do File>Play Slideshow. I think it has to load originals for this. What certainly works is to select all and print (not to paper!), and choose Print to PDF. You'll get a big file that you can then delete.

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Issue Downloading Originals to Mac

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