iCloud & iCloud Photos · Troubleshooting iCloud space

Why don't files I add to iCloud Drive on my Mac appear on my iPhone?

Short answer: Usually the Mac hasn't finished uploading or the other device hasn't fetched the change. Check the file's upload icon in Finder, that both devices use the same Apple Account, that iCloud isn't full, then refresh the Files app or restart both devices.

Usually the file hasn't finished uploading, or the other device hasn't fetched the change yet. Check, in order:

  1. On the Mac — in Finder, a file with a cloud-and-arrow or progress icon is still uploading. Wait for it to finish.
  2. Same Apple Account — both devices must be signed in to the same account with iCloud Drive on.
  3. iCloud storage — when it's full, new files don't sync.
  4. On the iPhone — open the Files app's iCloud Drive and pull down to refresh; Low Power Mode or a weak connection slows syncing.

Restarting both devices often clears a stuck sync. If uploads seem permanently stuck, see files stuck waiting to upload.

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