iCloud Photos not Syncing on iPhone [Top 6 Ways to Fix]

Apple’s iCloud Photos offers an easy way to sync and access those photos and videos on a variety of devices. As convenient as it is, users might encounter the issue of “iCloud photos not syncing on iPhone”. Why does this happen, and how to fix this issue? Please read on to learn about the most common causes of “iPhone photos won't sync” and follow the detailed guide to resolve this issue.

Part 1. Why Is iCloud Photos not Syncing on iPhone?

iCloud Photos is designed to automatically save every photo and video you take, making it easy to manage your gallery from any device. However, “Why are my iCloud photos not syncing to my iPhone?”Here are four common reasons:

Network and Connectivity Issues: Without a stable network connection or reliable Wi-Fi connection, iCloud Photos may not sync properly.
Software Updates and Compatibility: Keeping your software up to date is critical. Regularly update iOS and iCloud for Windows (if you’re using it) on your device.
Device-Specific Factors: Sync issues may also occur if you disable the iCloud Photos option or use multiple iCloud IDs on your device.
Storage Limitations: When your iCloud storage is full, it means that you cannot save new photos and videos.

Part 2. Top 6 Ways to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing on iPhone

When you have met the “iCloud photos not syncing iPhone” issue, don’t worry! In the coming part, it gives you 6 ways to troubleshoot.

Way 1. Reboot Your iPhone

If you don't know why your iPhone stopped syncing photos, the easiest way is to restart your phone. The way to restart the iPhone can be a little bit different on different iPhone models.

▶iPhone 8 or later: Press and hold the power button ＋ a volume- button (up/down) and then release it > Slide to power off >  Press the power button for seconds > Wait for the Apple logo to appear.

▶iPhone 7/Plus: Press the power button for seconds > slide to power off > Press and hold the power button again > wait for the Apple logo to appear.

▶iPhone 6s or earlier: Press the power button ＋ Home button for seconds > slide to power off > Press and hold both the power button and the Home button again > wait for the Apple logo.

Way 2. Sign Out and In Apple ID

iPhone iCloud photos not syncing may also be caused by a problem with your Apple ID. You can re-login your ID to solve it.

>> Go to Settings > Tap your profile > Click Sign out > Re-login to your Apple ID

Way 3. Check iCloud Storage

iCloud is a cloud server provided by Apple, which gives each user 5GB of free storage. If your iCloud storage is full, data will no longer sync to iCloud on iPhone, so you can check if your iCloud space is enough.

>> Go to Settings > Tap your name > Click iCloud.

You will see the specific usage of your iCloud. If iCloud storage space is used up, you can buy more space or use third-party software to back up your data.

Way 4. Turn on Your iCloud Photos

"Why are my iPhone photos not syncing with iCloud"? After turning off iCloud Photos, the photos will not be synced to your iPhone, you'd better check if your iCloud photos are turned on.

>> Go to Settings > Tap your name > Click iCloud > Find Photos and tap it > Turn iCloud Photos on

Then, you can choose to Optimize iPhone Storage, which will make iCloud photos stored as thumbnails in the app. It will save some iCloud space, but also cause the photos to be a little blurry.

Way 5. Check Internet Connection

Many data synchronization failures are caused by the poor network because syncing photos needs to be done under stable network conditions. You should check your network connection in the Settings.

Way 6. Update Your Device

If the iOS version is relatively low, it may lead to "iCloud photos status not syncing", you can try to update your iOS system version.

Step 1. You should go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2. Click Download and Install.

Wait for a while, the iPhone will automatically restart, and you may find your synced photos.

Tips:

• Make sure your phone has more than half of the battery.
• To prevent unforeseen problems, updates should not be interrupted.
• It's best to back up your data before updating.

Bonus Tip: How to Manage Your iPhone Photos with AOMEI FoneBackup

If your iCloud is cluttered with unnecessary photos, it's time to either transfer them to your computer or declutter by deleting surplus images. It is highly recommended to use AOMEI FoneBackup, a free yet powerful iOS management tool, to manage your iCloud photos.

Tip 1. Manage Your iCloud Photos on Your PC via AOMEI FoneBackup

Here’s a comprehensive guide on utilizing AOMEI FoneBackup for efficient iCloud photo management:

Step 1. Download AOMEI FoneBackup and install it on your PC.

Step 2. Open AOMEI FoneBackup and navigate to My iCloud > Sign in using your Apple ID and click Manage iCloud.

Step 3. Locate and click the Photos icon> Choose the specific photos you want and click either the Download or Delete button to initiate the respective process.

Tip 2. Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC (and Vice Versa) via AOMEI FoneBackup

In addition to iCloud management, you can use AOMEI FoneBackup (known as iPhone transfer tool) to transfer your iPhone photos to a PC without an internet connection. It supports transferring photos, messages, contacts, etc. Beyond that, its transmission process is completely safe, and will not affect the original data of the target iPhone.

AOMEI FoneBackup

Easy iPhone Data Management Software

• Transfer unlimited files between iPhone and PC.
• 1-click transfer data to new iPhone or Android.
• Fully/selectively backup iPhone with ease.

Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

100% Secure

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Transfer Photos to PC with AOMEI FoneBackup

Step 1. Launch the AOMEI FoneBackup and connect the device, click Phone Transfer, and click Start Transfer under iPhone to PC.

Step 2. Click Photos and drag all photos you need to transfer to the box > Click Start Transfer. 

If you want to view these photos on another iPhone, you can transfer them to your new iPhone with the help of AOMEI FoneBackup. Here is how to do it!

Step 1. Unplug your iPhone and connect the target iPhone via USB cable, click Phone Transfer, go to PC to iPhone, and click Start Transfer.

Step 2. Click + icon to add the photos you want to transfer, and click Transfer.

If you don't have a computer and a USB cable, you can use the AOMEI FoneBackup iOS app to transfer photos as well. 

The Bottom Line

This article proposes 6 methods to exclude iCloud photos not syncing on iPhone, including updating the device, rebooting your iPhone, turning on iCloud photos, etc. Not only that,  it also recommends an excellent transfer software, AOMEI FoneBackup to transfer photos to iPhone easily.

AOMEI FoneBackup can also be used to backup data, You don't have to worry about your data being insecure during use because it can perform encrypted backups to protect your data security. If you are interested in it, you could try this useful tool.