iCloud is a commonly used data synchronization and backup tool for Apple users. However, sometimes, users may find that iCloud is grayed out and unclickable. This issue can prevent normal backups, data synchronization, or storage management. This article will explain the reasons behind iCloud is grayed out on iPhone and provide detailed solutions to help you quickly restore normal functionality.
If your iCloud is greyed out on your iPhone, the following are possible reasons:
After we know the possible reason for iCloud greyed out on iPhone, here are 11 effective solutions you can try.
When Apple introduces new iCloud service features, users may be required to agree to the terms and conditions. If this is not confirmed in a timely manner, the issue of iCloud being grayed out in settings may occur.
All iCloud features require a stable network connection. If the device is not connected to Wi-Fi or the signal is unstable, iCloud features may be grayed out and unavailable. Therefore, checking the network status is the first step in resolving the issue.
To do this, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Open "Settings" > "Wi-Fi" and make sure you are connected to a stable network.
Step 2. If the issue persists, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone" > "Reset".
Step 3. Select "Reset Network Settings", enter your password, and confirm the action.
Step 4. After restarting the device, check if the iCloud settings being grayed out is resolved.
Sometimes, iCloud features being grayed out is caused by system maintenance or temporary outages on Apple's servers. In such cases, users need to verify if the issue originates from Apple's servers themselves. Just open Apple's official System Status page, look for iCloud-related services, such as iCloud Drive or iCloud Backup, and confirm if their status is normal. If the status indicates an outage or maintenance, simply wait for the issue to be resolved.
Minor device glitches can cause the "iCloud is greyed out on iPhone" issue. Restarting the device is the simplest and most direct solution.
To restart the iPhone, follow these steps:
For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later:
For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation):
For iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier:
Account login issues can prevent iCloud from functioning properly. For example, Apple ID verification failure or lost login credentials can cause features to be grayed out. Re-signing into your account usually resolves these issues quickly.
Here's how it works:
Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap on your "Apple ID" at the top.
Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom and tap "Sign Out", then enter your password to confirm. (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)
Step 3. After restarting your device, sign back into your Apple ID and ensure the account status is normal.
System glitches or software bugs are common causes of iCloud settings becoming unavailable. Apple typically addresses known issues through system updates, so checking for and updating your device's system is an important step. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update".
Step 2. If a new version is available, tap "Download and Install".
Step 3. After the update is complete, check if iCloud is functioning properly.
Ensure that your Apple ID password is correct, as iCloud functionality depends on the proper status of your Apple ID. If needed, try resetting your Apple ID password on your iPhone. To do this, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Open the "Settings" app, tap your "Apple ID" name, and select "Password & Security".
Step 2. Tap "Change Password" and enter your current Apple ID password.
Step 3. Enter a new password for your Apple ID, then re-enter it to confirm.
Step 4. Tap "Change" or "Change Password" to save the new Apple ID password.
If you've enabled Screen Time on your device, it may be restricting access to your Apple ID settings. To check and disable it:
Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap "Screen Time".
Step 2. Select "Content & Privacy Restrictions".
Step 3. If Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled, scroll down to the "Allow Changes" section.
Step 4. Tap "Account Changes" and set it to "Allow". You may be prompted to enter your Screen Time passcode.
When your iPhone is supervised by another computer or device, it may restrict your ability to fully control your device. Removing configuration profiles can resolve this issue.
Here is how to do it:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "VPN & Device Management" on your iPhone.
Step 2. Tap "Remove Profile" and enter the removal password to delete the configuration profiles.
If the above methods are ineffective, you can try using a professional tool to fix iOS system issues. iOS System Recovery is a specialized iPhone system repair tool designed to address a wide range of iOS problems, including iCloud being grayed out, device freezing, the white screen, boot loops, and other complex issues. It supports fixing system problems without erasing device data and offers both Standard Mode and Advanced Mode options to meet different user needs.
Here is how to fix iCloud is greyed out on iPhone using iOS System Recovery:
01Click the download button below to get the tool. Once the download is complete, open the program and select "iOS System Recovery".
02Connect your iPhone to your computer and trust the connection. Then, click "Start" and follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into recovery mode.
03Choose "Standard Mode" and click "Confirm" to proceed. The tool will begin downloading the necessary iOS firmware.
04Once the download is complete, click "Repair" to begin the repair process. The tool will fix your device and resolve the issue of the iCloud being greyed out on your iPhone.
When all other methods fail, restoring the device to factory settings can be used as a last resort. Please note that this method will erase all data on the device. Therefore, back up your iPhone to your computer to avoid data loss first.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone".
Step 2. Tap "Erase All Content and Settings" and enter your password to confirm the action.
Step 3. Once completed, set up your device again and check the iCloud status.
If iCloud is consistently unavailable, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a powerful alternative for backup. This tool supports data backup and recovery without being limited by network or storage space. Whether it's photos, contacts, or text messages, it allows you to manage them with ease.
Key features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
To back up your iPhone to the computer using iOS Assistant, follow the steps below:
01First, download and install the software on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
02On your iPhone, tap "Trust" when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to allow the software to detect your device. Once your iPhone is recognized, the main interface will appear.
03To back up your entire iPhone, go to the "Super Toolkit" section and select "iTunes Backup & Restore". Click "Backup" and choose your iPhone from the drop-down menu. Next, click "Browse" to choose a folder on your computer where the backup will be saved, then click "OK" to start the backup process.
If you want to back up specific files instead, navigate to the "My Device" section and select the file types from the left panel. Preview and select the files you wish to back up, then click "Export" to save them to your computer.
Video Tutorial:
When you encounter the iCloud greyed out issue, follow the methods outlined in the article to troubleshoot and resolve them. In most cases, these steps can restore normal functionality. If you're looking for a fast, data-loss-free solution to fix system issues like iCloud is greyed out on iPhone, we highly recommend using iOS System Recovery. It is professional, secure, and efficient, making it the best tool for resolving various iOS issues.
Additionally, if you're seeking a more convenient way to back up your iPhone data, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a powerful alternative to iCloud. It allows you to easily manage and back up your data to your computer.
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