Cellular vs WiFi causing the iCloud sync issue?

Question

Cellular vs WiFi causing the iCloud sync issue?

So, I experienced this same issue today with my iPhone X on iOS 12.1. after some frustration, I noticed that I wasn’t on WiFi. As soon as I turned WiFi on, my files immediately synced.

I looked to see if cell data was turned on for “Files” and it was. I also looked up Documents & Sync and it is under system services and appears to always be on. I noticed my battery was low so I plugged my phone in. This did not help. I also verified that the phone was not in low power mode, as that may temporarily shut services down.

I then did a bunch of testing by duplicating and deleting of files on my Macbook pro Desktop folders that are synced to iCloud. As long as I was on WiFi all changes synced almost immediately. Once I switched to Cellular, 4 bars of LTE, all syncing stopped.

I’m guessing this is a glitch in iOS?? Can anyone else duplicate my findings? Hope this helps someone else! 😎

Posted on Nov 23, 2018 8:00 PM

Reply

Answer 1

MoonJ.

Community Specialist

Nov 25, 2018 2:18 PM in response to HaloTechnologiesLLC

Hi HaloTechnologiesLLC,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. I understand you're finding your iCloud Drive only syncs while on Wi-Fi.

Checking your cellular data setting for Files was a great idea. There's another cellular data setting you'll want to double-check since there are separate switches for Files and iCloud Drive. Try tapping Settings > Cellular. Then, scroll all the way down to the very bottom and, below "Wi-Fi Assist," you should see a separate toggle for iCloud Drive. Try switching this to on, and then Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch .

This may help to clear things up.

Have a great day.

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Answer 2

Nov 25, 2018 2:14 PM in response to MoonJ.

MoonJ., The “iCloud Drive” Switch below the “WiFi Assist” switch at the bottom of the Settings>Cellular list was the solution. Thank you and nice catch!! I depend on this Sync for accessing business documents on my iPhone... It seems like both of those options should be at the top of the Settings>Cellular list, as I believe this would help a lot of people quickly resolve this issue and other known issues related to WiFi Assist. In my research I have seen others with similar iCloud sync issues and there was no final resolution. I’m guessing they were having the have the same problem I was. Hopefully you solution will help.

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Answer 3

MoonJ.

Community Specialist

Nov 26, 2018 6:02 AM in response to HaloTechnologiesLLC

Hey there HaloTechnologiesLLC,

Thanks for following up and letting the community know that step fixed your issue.

Take care.

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Cellular vs WiFi causing the iCloud sync issue?

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