[Guide] How to Fix Uploading to iCloud Paused Issue on iPhone?

"I keep getting a message when I got to my text messages saying 'uploading to iCloud paused. Plug in your device and connect to Wi-Fi' but it never goes away. What can I do?"

- from Apple Community

Many users may encounter the issue of "uploading to iCloud paused" when using iCloud to upload messages or photos. Why does this problem occur? How can it be resolved? This article will delve into the possible reasons for "uploading to iCloud paused" and the corresponding solutions to help you complete the upload smoothly.

Part 1. Why Uploading to iCloud Paused?

Why do my messages say syncing paused? Here are some possible reasons:

• Unstable network connection: iCloud uploads require a stable network connection; unstable Wi-Fi or cellular data can interrupt synchronization.
• Low device battery: When the battery level drops below a certain threshold (usually 20%), the system automatically pauses iCloud uploads to save power.
• Insufficient iCloud storage: If iCloud storage is full, new files or data cannot be uploaded.
• Apple system status issues: iCloud services may be temporarily unavailable during Apple server maintenance or outages, causing uploads to pause.
• Outdated iOS version: Older system versions may have compatibility issues with iCloud, leading to iCloud photos syncing paused.
• iCloud settings issues: Incorrect iCloud settings or login status can also cause uploads to pause.

Part 2. How to Resume iCloud Sync

Now that we understand the possible causes of uploading to iCloud paused, here are the specific methods to resume iCloud uploads. You can try each one until the issue is resolved.

Fix 1. Check Network Connection

Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable network. Uploading to iCloud requires a good internet connection, and an unstable network can lead to synchronization failures.

To do this:

Step 1. Ensure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, avoiding data usage for large file uploads.

Step 2. Restart your router or switch to a more stable network environment.

Step 3. Try resetting network settings. Path: "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings".

Fix 2. Restart the iPhone

A simple restart can fix many minor issues, including uploading to iCloud paused. Here is how to do it:

For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later:

• Press and hold the "Volume" button and the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to power down.
• Press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation):

• Press and hold the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to shut down.
• Press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier:

• Press and hold the "Top" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to shut down.
• Press and hold the "Top" button until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 3. Hard Reset the iPhone

If a simple restart doesn't fix the issue, you might need to perform a hard reset on your iPhone. This can help eliminate any persistent software problems that may be causing the issue.

To hard reset your iPhone, follow the steps below:

• For iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press and release the "Volume Up" button, then the "Volume Down" button, and finally press and hold the "Power" button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the "Volume Down" button and the "Power" button together until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold both the "Home" button and the "Power" button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 4. Charge the iPhone

When the device's battery level drops below 20%, the system may pause synchronization to save power. Charging the device to a sufficient level can help resume uploads.

Fix 5. Check Apple System Status

Sometimes, Apple's iCloud services may experience temporary outages or maintenance. You can check the Apple System Status page to see if iCloud services are operating normally.

Fix 6. Sign Out of iCloud Account and Sign Back in

Signing out and then back into your iCloud account can refresh the sync settings and resolve the upload pause issue. To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "Sign Out".

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID password and select "Sign Out". (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)

Step 3. Sign back into iCloud and try uploading again.

Fix 7. Check iCloud Storage Space

Insufficient iCloud storage can also cause uploads to pause. Check your storage space in iCloud settings and clear or upgrade as needed.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > [Your Name] > "iCloud" > "Manage Storage".

Step 2. If your storage is full, you can delete unnecessary backups or files or choose to upgrade your storage plan. (How to cancel iCloud storage?)

Fix 8. Re-enable the Specific App on iCloud

Many users have also reported that the uploads for certain specific apps, such as Photos and Messages, may pause. In such cases, you can resolve the issue by disabling and then re-enabling the corresponding iCloud sync.

Here is how to resume syncing iPhone messages:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > [Your Name] > "iCloud".

Step 2. Find "Messages" and turn it off.

Step 3. After turning it off, wait a few seconds, then re-enable the iCloud sync for this app.

Step 4. Wait for a while and check the upload status.

Here is how to unpause iCloud photo syncing:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > [Your Name] > "iCloud".

Step 2. Find "Photos", then "iCloud Photos", and turn it off.

Step 3. Wait a few seconds and re-enable it.

Fix 9. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Apple frequently releases software updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If iCloud isn't syncing correctly, consider updating your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS 18 version.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Navigate to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". (iPhone stuck on a software update?)

Step 2. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install", then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Fix 10. Use iOS System Recovery - The Ultimate Way

If the above methods do not resolve the "uploading to iCloud paused" issue, you can use iOS System Recovery, a system repair tool designed specifically for iOS devices. It helps users fix various iOS system problems, such as devices stuck on the Apple logo, black screen, or in recovery mode. The software is user-friendly, allowing users to follow simple instructions to restore their devices to normal without requiring complex technical knowledge.

Key features of iOS System Recovery:

• Quickly fix uploading to iCloud paused issues with a single click.
• It can address nearly all iOS system problems, such as iPhone stuck on the hello screen, in recovery mode, or experiencing the black/white/green/yellow screen of death, etc.
• Offer Standard Mode and Advanced Mode.
• Free upgrade and downgrade the iOS version.
• The tool is intuitive, secure, and has no data loss.
• Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16/15/14 series, etc.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to resume iCloud sync using iOS System Recovery:

Final Words

When iCloud uploads are paused, the methods above can help restore normal uploads. If the standard methods don't work, using iOS System Recovery is the ultimate solution. This tool not only helps resolve upload issues but also fixes various underlying system faults, keeping your iOS device in a stable condition.

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