iCloud not working. How to troubleshoot iCloud problems

iCloud automatically syncs all of your content to all of your devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac,  and PC. It’s a great service, and it’s free. This article explains the problems with iCloud back up that you may encounter on your iOS device.

iCloud Requirements

iCloud services will work only on the devices that meet the system requirements below. Make sure that your system meets these requirements:

• An Apple ID
• iOS 5 update or later for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
• OS X Lion 10.7.2 or later for Mac
• Microsoft Windows 7 or Vista (Service Pack 2 or later) for PC

General troubleshooting

• iCloud Backup requires a Wi-Fi internet connection.
• If you have a lot of data iCloud backups and restores may take time.
• iCloud Backup can fail if you do not have at least 50 MB of available disk space on your device.
• Automatic backups happen when your device is plugged in with the screen locked, and also connected to Wi-Fi.
• While you are downloading apps or songs, backups will not occur. It’s a good idea to let it finish.
• If you have Airplane Mode enabled, make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled as well.
• Make sure that you have enough iCloud space. If you don’t, you can reduce the amount of data you want to download by changing your backup options OR buy more iCloud storage (you can downgrade your storage plan later if you wish).
• If you encounter “Backup Not Supported” message, this means that a specific app causing problems. You may want to contact the app’s producer.

iCloud account troubleshooting

First of all, make sure that you are actively logged in to iCloud with your Apple ID on your device. To check this:

• iPhone, iPad and iPod: Settings > iCloud
• Mac: Apple menu, choose System Preferences, and click iCloud.
• PC: Control Panel and then open iCloud.

If you receive an “authentication failed” message, make sure that your username and password is correct by trying to log in appleid.apple.com (Manage your Account link). Reset your Apple ID if necessary.

Find My iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac not working?

You can locate, display a message on, remotely lock, and wipe your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac with iCloud. If you are having problems, try these tips:

• Make sure that the date on your device is correct: Settings > General > Date & Time.
• Make sure that your iCloud account is configured on your device.
• If you have multiple iCloud accounts, only one can have “Find My iPhone” turned on at a given time.
• “Find My Mac” can only find your Mac if it is connected to an internet via a known Wi-Fi internet connection. If you are connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable, this feature will not work.
• Your device must be ON not powered off.

Other notes:

• iCloud accounts are not available in all countries. When using icloud.com make sure that you enable your browser’s cookies and JavaScript. If these tips do not help you, contact iCloud Support for assistance.

SK( Managing Editor )

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.