How to Fix iCloud Not Downloading Files on Mac

Problems with iCloud Drive, such as failed file downloads or an iCloud Drive that keeps loading, are common.

If you've encountered any of these issues, know that you're not alone. This guide will delve into the possible reasons behind the iCloud files not downloading on Mac problem and offer multiple solutions to fix this frustrating issue.

[Overview] Unable to Download Files from iCloud on Mac

Imagine having trouble downloading files from iCloud on your Mac. Everything appears up to date across all devices, but your new Mac is having difficulty uploading or syncing data with iCloud.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to download a file from iCloud Drive. These include:

• Insufficient storage space
• Software or system issues
• Unstable network connection
• Compatibility issues with file size or type
• Synchronization errors

How to Recover Lost Downloads from iCloud

tools Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a powerful tool to help you retrieve lost files. It comes in handy in various scenarios where data loss occurs accidentally. For instance, you can rely on this recovery tool to restore deleted files from Mac whether it's due to accidental deletion, wrong formatting, system crash, or damaged storage devices.

The versatility of Data Recovery Wizard for Mac extends to scenarios like recovering from an emptied Trash, scanning damaged storage devices, and retrieving files after a macOS update.

Step 1: Choose the "Recover from iCloud" option

Select “iCloud” from the left panel and then choose “Restore data from iCloud account” to retrieve your iCloud Drive data. Hit “Next” and sign into your iCloud account.

Step 2: Choose the “iCloud Drive” category

The utility will quickly scan all recoverable data in your iCloud account. Check the “iCloud Drive” category, then click the “Next” button.

Select the category of “iCloud Drive”

Step 3: Recover iCloud Drive data from iCloud

Select the iCloud Drive data you want to recover, click the “Eye” icon to preview the details, and then hit the “Recover” button to get them back.

Step 4. Save the Recovered iCloud Drive Data

Select a secure location on your Mac's hard drive to save the recovered iCloud Drive data. You also have the option to save the recovered data to your cloud drive, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.

Its powerful algorithms ensure a high success rate when recovering various file types, including documents, photos, videos, and more.

How to Fix iCloud Not Downloading Files on Mac

Before proceeding with the fixes below, make sure to back up your data to avoid losing anything important. Here are some ways to resolve the “iCloud can't download files on Mac” error.

Solution 1: Update the software

A reported software bug has caused issues with "iCloud unable to download files on Mac." To resolve this, try updating your system.

Here's how to check for and update your macOS:

Step 1: Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.

Step 2: Click on "General" in the left sidebar. Then, click "Software Update" on the right.

Step 3: The Software Update tool will scan for available updates. If it finds new software, click the "Install" button. Depending on the situation, this may be labeled "Update Now," "Upgrade Now," "Install Now," or "Restart Now."

Click on Upgrade Now.

You may be asked to enter the administrator password at this point.

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Fix 2: Check your Wi-Fi network

To troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues on a Mac, try opening a webpage first. If it loads successfully, the problem may not be with your Wi-Fi connection.

However, if the webpage won't load, try using a different web browser. If the problem persists across browsers, try turning Wi-Fi off on your Mac, and then back on.

Check the Wi-Fi connection

If you're still unable to get online in some cases, try connecting with another device, like an iPhone or iPad.

Solution 3: Turn iCloud Drive off and on again

Sometimes, you can fix iCloud Drive issues by turning the service off and on again in the Settings app.

A direct attempt to do so is worth a try. Here's how:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”

Step 2: Tap on “iCloud,” then tap on “iCloud Drive.”

Step 3: Deselect the checkbox next to iCloud Drive to turn it off.

Step 4: Restart your Mac.

5) Reopen System Preferences.

Step 6: Tap on “iCloud” > “iCloud Drive”.

Step 7. Check the box next to iCloud Drive to enable it.

Bottom line

Having trouble downloading files on your Mac can be frustrating, but these issues can often be resolved by troubleshooting steps like updating software and checking your Wi-Fi connection. For more severe problems, such as data loss or inaccessible files, reliable data recovery software like the Mac Data Recovery Wizard becomes essential.

Such software can efficiently recover lost or deleted files, ensuring that crucial data remains safe and accessible. The Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a reliable tool for retrieving data that might have been lost due to a macOS update.

"Frequently Asked Questions: Can't Download Files from iCloud on Mac"

If you can't download files from iCloud on your Mac, the following frequently asked questions might help. See also:

Why can't my Mac download content from iCloud?

This issue can stem from several sources, such as your internet connection, Apple's iCloud servers, or it could be an authentication problem. Like many issues related to Macs, the best approach is to systematically work through possible causes, starting with the easiest to resolve.

Why can't I download my file on a Mac?

There are a few possible reasons why your Mac might not be able to download files:

• The Wi-Fi network might be having issues.
• Your broadband connection could be interrupted.
• The server hosting the file you're trying to download might be down.
• The app you're using to download the file might not be working correctly.

Why can't I download my files from iCloud?

Difficulty downloading files from iCloud Drive can stem from various factors. Before diving into specific solutions, it's crucial to understand why your iCloud Drive isn't downloading files. Here are some common reasons:

• Synchronization errors
• Inconsistent network connections
• Compatibility issues with file size or type
• Lack of storage space
• Software or system-related problems

How do I force a download from iCloud to my Mac? To force a download from iCloud to your Mac, follow these steps: 1. Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and you're signed in to iCloud using the same Apple ID. 2. Open "System Preferences" (find it in the Dock or via Spotlight search). 3. In System Preferences, click on "iCloud." 4. In the iCloud window, check if the checkboxes next to the apps or data types you want to download are selected. For example, if you want to download photos, make sure the "Photos" option is checked. 5. If you want to download the entire "iCloud Drive" content, click the "Options" button next to "iCloud Drive," then in the pop-up window, ensure all needed folders are selected. 6. Wait for your Mac to sync and download the chosen content. You can check the progress by looking at the progress bars next to each app. 7. For specific files or items, open the corresponding iCloud app (like "Photos," "Documents," or "Mail") and find the file within the app to download it. 8. If the file still doesn't download, try disconnecting and reconnecting to iCloud, or restart your Mac. 9. If the issue persists, check your storage space. Upgrade your iCloud storage plan or free up local storage if necessary. 10. If none of these solutions work, contact Apple Support for further assistance. Note that some content may require manual refreshing within the application to start the download.

To force a download from iCloud to your Mac, do the following:

Step 1. Open a Finder window by clicking the “Finder” icon in your Dock.

Step 2: Select “iCloud Drive” from the sidebar.

Step 3: Control-click the item you want to download (identified by the “In Cloud” status icon).

Step 4: From the drop-down menu, select Download Now.