iCloud Files Not Downloading on iPhone and iPad? 10 Tips to Fix This Issue! 2024

iCloud is a fantastic cloud storage service provided by Apple that allows users to store and access their files across multiple devices. However, sometimes you may encounter an issue where iCloud files are not downloading on your iPhone or iPad. This can be frustrating, especially if you need immediate access to important documents or files. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue. In this article, I will provide you with 10 tips to fix the problem and get your iCloud files downloading smoothly again.

What’s Preventing You From Downloading iCloud Files on iPhone or iPad?

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what might be causing the issue of iCloud files not downloading on your iPhone or iPad. There are several potential factors that can contribute to this problem:

1. Poor network connection: If your device is experiencing a weak or unreliable internet connection, it may struggle to download files from iCloud.
2. Airplane mode enabled: If Airplane mode is turned on, it can prevent your device from connecting to the internet and downloading iCloud files.
3. Restricted mobile data usage: If you have restricted the Files app from using mobile data, it will only download files when connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Issues with iCloud Drive: Problems with the iCloud Drive itself can also cause files not to download on your iPhone or iPad.
5. Network settings: Incorrect network settings can interfere with the download process and prevent iCloud files from being downloaded.
6. Apple server issues: Occasionally, Apple’s servers may experience temporary issues, which can affect the download functionality of iCloud files.
7. Apple ID syncing problems: If your Apple ID is not syncing properly, it can disrupt the download process and prevent files from being downloaded.
8. Software compatibility: Outdated software on your iPhone or iPad may not be compatible with the latest iCloud features, resulting in download issues.

Now that we have identified the potential causes of the problem, let’s move on to the solutions.

1. Turn Off/On Airplane Mode

If Airplane mode is enabled on your iPhone or iPad, it can disrupt the internet connection and prevent iCloud files from downloading. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (if using an iPhone with Face ID) or swipe down from the top-right corner (if using an iPhone with a Home button) to access the Control Center.
2. Look for the Airplane mode icon, which resembles an airplane. If it is highlighted in orange, it means Airplane mode is enabled. Tap on the icon to disable Airplane mode.
3. Wait for a few seconds, then tap the Airplane mode icon again to re-enable it.
4. Check if your iCloud files start downloading. If not, proceed to the next solution.

2. Ensure The Files App Can Use Mobile Data

By default, the Files app on your iPhone or iPad may be restricted from using mobile data for downloading files from iCloud. To allow the app to use mobile data, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data”, depending on your device’s language settings.
3. Scroll down to the list of apps and locate the “Files” app. Make sure the toggle switch next to it is enabled (highlighted in green).
4. If the toggle switch is disabled (highlighted in gray), tap on it to turn it on.
5. Exit the Settings app and try downloading your iCloud files again.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that could be preventing iCloud files from downloading. To restart your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button (located on the right side or top of your device) until the “Slide to power off” slider appears.
2. Slide the power button from left to right to turn off your device.
3. After your device has completely shut down, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
4. Once your device has restarted, check if the iCloud files are now downloading. If not, proceed to the next solution.

4. Turn Off/On iCloud Drive

Turning off and on iCloud Drive can help resolve any syncing issues that may be preventing files from downloading on your iPhone or iPad. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID settings.
3. Scroll down and tap on “iCloud”.
4. Locate “iCloud Drive” in the list of apps and tap on it.
5. Toggle the switch next to “iCloud Drive” off (highlighted in gray).
6. Wait for a few seconds, then toggle the switch back on (highlighted in green).
7. Return to the home screen and check if the iCloud files start downloading.

5. Turn Off/On iCloud Drive in Apple Files

In addition to turning off and on iCloud Drive in the Settings app, you can also try toggling iCloud Drive within the Apple Files app itself. Here’s how:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on “Browse” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Scroll down and locate “iCloud Drive” under the Locations section.
4. Tap on the “…” (three dots) button next to iCloud Drive.
5. In the pop-up menu, tap on “Edit”.
6. Toggle the switch next to “iCloud Drive” off.
7. Wait for a few seconds, then toggle the switch back on.
8. Exit the Files app and check if the iCloud files are now downloading.

6. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can help resolve any underlying issues that may be preventing iCloud files from downloading. However, note that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings from your device. To reset your network settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
3. Scroll down again and tap on “Reset”.
4. Tap on “Reset Network Settings”.
5. Enter your device passcode if prompted.
6. Confirm the network settings reset by tapping on “Reset Network Settings” again.
7. After your device restarts, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and check if the iCloud files start downloading.

7. Check Apple’s System Status

Sometimes, the issue may not be with your device or network, but with Apple’s servers. It’s worth checking Apple’s system status to see if there are any reported issues with iCloud services. Follow these steps to access the system status page:

1. Open your preferred web browser on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Visit Apple’s system status page by going to https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/.
3. Look for the “iCloud” section and check if there are any reported issues.
4. If there are no reported issues, proceed to the next solution.

8. Sign Out Of Apple ID and Sign Back In

Signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in can help refresh the authentication process and resolve any syncing issues that may be preventing iCloud files from downloading. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID settings.
3. Scroll down and tap on “Sign Out”.
4. Enter your Apple ID password and tap on “Turn Off”.
5. After signing out, tap on “Sign In to your iPhone/iPad”.
6. Enter your Apple ID and password, then follow the on-screen instructions to sign back in.
7. Once you have signed back in, check if the iCloud files start downloading.

9. Reset All Settings

If none of the previous solutions have worked, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone or iPad. This will not erase any data or files, but it will reset all settings to their default values. Follow these steps to reset all settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
3. Scroll down again and tap on “Reset”.
4. Tap on “Reset All Settings”.
5. Enter your device passcode if prompted.
6. Confirm the reset by tapping on “Reset All Settings” again.
7. After your device restarts, check if the iCloud files start downloading.

10. Update Software on Your iPhone or iPad

Finally, if you are running outdated software on your iPhone or iPad, it may not be compatible with the latest iCloud features, resulting in download issues. To update your device’s software, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
3. Tap on “Software Update”.
4. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install”.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software update.
6. After your device restarts, check if the iCloud files start downloading.