How to fix "Private Relay: Unavailable" on my Mac?

Question

M.K.R Author

Level 1

17 points

How to fix "Private Relay: Unavailable" on my Mac?

On my iMac I keep getting the message "Private Relay: Unavailable".

If I restart my iMac, Private Relay connects and works for a few seconds then I get the same message again.

If I switch Private Relay Off, wait a minute, turn back on, same unavailable message again.

I am connected by Wi-Fi and Ethernet, if I try only one network I still get the unavailable message.

What is strange, on the same network, connected by Wi-Fi, I have my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone 14 Pro. Max.

None of these have an issue with Private Relay, just the iMac has the issue.

Any suggestions to resolve this issue would be most welcome, thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 24″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jul 25, 2024 8:51 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

b-roni

Level 1

14 points

Jul 25, 2024 1:45 PM in response to M.K.R

It’s not hardware related. There’s something going on with iCloud. It is doing the same thing on my phone and iPad.

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Answer 2

NBT123

Level 1

40 points

Jul 26, 2024 12:30 AM in response to M.K.R

The problem is with Apple Private Relay and iCloud. Not any individual's device or configuration. I have three macs two iphones and an ipad. Private Relay failed simultaneously across all of them (UK).

https://9to5mac.com/2024/07/25/icloud-private-relay-outage/

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Answer 3

molucky8

Level 1

8 points

Jul 25, 2024 1:19 PM in response to M.K.R

I'm having the same issues.

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Answer 4

NBT123

Level 1

40 points

Jul 26, 2024 1:03 AM in response to M.K.R

I guess it will resolve gradually. At the moment it's still flagged by Apple as problematic, and I still have no PR on any device.

Apple - Support - System Status (as at 09:03 British Summer Time on 26JUL24)

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Answer 5

M.K.R Author

Level 1

17 points

Jul 25, 2024 12:59 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your advice, I might need to try Apple next.

I have actually just done a full OS reset (Also rebooted my broadband router) and the first thing I did after the reinstall was to try Private Replay, but it is still unavailable.

Still working okay on all other Apple devices in the house!

I see a few other users have clicked 'Me Too' maybe Apple is having an issue?

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,392 points

Jul 25, 2024 11:49 AM in response to M.K.R

The only red flag I see is there is no evidence that you backup the computer which is short sighted and an almost certain guarantee of lost data. If you are not familiar with Time Machine then please read Back up your Mac with Time Machine. This requires an external HD, I recommend a 2TB https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-mercury-elite-pro. You will need a USB A to USB adapter available from Amazon for <$10.

I would also recommend restarting in Safe Mode and then restarting normally and then test again. If the issue continues, please give AppleCare a phone call. AppleCare Contact Info

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Answer 7

Jul 26, 2024 2:20 PM in response to M.K.R

I just got this from Apple

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Answer 8

Kichele

Level 1

8 points

Jul 29, 2024 11:41 AM in response to M.K.R

Apple is doing this too. Does this mean my private searches and VPN’s are not private?

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Answer 9

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,392 points

Jul 25, 2024 10:30 AM in response to M.K.R

Your reply did not answer my questions and there is no EtreCheck report. However, if the issue started after installing the Nvidia's Geforce Now app then the logical thing to do is to:

Uninstall the Nvidia app per the developers instructions.
Restart the computer in Safe Mode to clear corrupt caches ( Safe Mode ) then restart normally.
Test

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Answer 10

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,392 points

Jul 25, 2024 9:44 AM in response to M.K.R

BTW, do you have any of the following third party apps installed on your Mac?

• Antivirus Apps

• Cleaning Apps

• Security Apps

• VPN Apps

• Maintenance Apps

It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate towww.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.

When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again.

For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.