Are you trying to download your stored iCloud files inside the Apple Files app, but it keeps failing? This can happen due to minor things like an inconsistent internet connection or something significant that requires a reset. In this troubleshooting guide, we show you what to do if files aren’t downloading from iCloud onto your iPhone or iPad.
iCloud is one service that stores many types of data like contacts, reminders, calendar events, health data, iMovie projects, photos, videos, and more. You can access these files inside the respective apps (or iCloud.com). For example, to access your iCloud contacts, go to the Contacts app. To access your iCloud Photos, you can use the Photos app or a web browser, and to access your iMovie projects stored in iCloud, open iMovie on a device where you’re signed in to your Apple ID.
Besides that, Apple also offers you a general cloud storage service called iCloud Drive, which is like Google Drive or Dropbox. In iCloud Drive, you can upload and save your files, documents, media, and anything else you like. Things you upload and store in iCloud Drive can be accessed inside the iOS Files app or web browser.
In this tutorial, we will focus on understanding what to do if the files stored in iCloud Drive aren’t downloading.
Open Safari or the YouTube app and try to visit a website or play a video. See if it works or not. In case it doesn’t, fix the Wi-Fi issues.
If you aren’t using Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi isn’t working, you can use cellular data to download iCloud files. But first, follow these steps to ensure cellular data is appropriately enabled:
Open the iPhone Control Center or the Settings app. From here, enable Airplane mode and wait for about 15 seconds. After that, turn off Airplane mode and go to the Files app. You should have no trouble downloading iCloud files now.
Inside the Files app, tap Browse once or twice to see all the added locations. Here, you should see iCloud Drive at the top. In case you don’t, follow these steps:
Now tap iCloud Drive to see all your files and folder stored in iCloud. From here, you can access the required media.
If you have followed the above fixes and are still unable to download files from iCloud, go ahead and turn off your iPhone. After waiting for a minute, switch it on. Next, go to the Files app, and iCloud files should download and appear for viewing or sharing.
iCloud is integrated deeply into iOS and often works well. However, sometimes the problem may not be from your end but Apple’s. To check, head over to their System Status page and make sure the options related to iCloud, like iCloud Drive and iCloud Web Apps, have a green dot next to them. In case there is a temporary problem, you’ll see a yellow or red shape. Apple usually fixes these quickly, but you’ll have to wait while they are at it.
Now, open the Files app and go to the iCloud Drive location to see, download, and use your iCloud files.
If you’re on an old version of iOS, please consider updating your iPhone before moving to the remaining solutions. To do that, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
At times, files may not download from iCloud due to random network issues, and the most effective way to fix that is by resetting your iPhone’s network settings. Here’s how:
After this, access your iCloud Drive section, and you should see your files and be able to download them.
Still facing issues with files in iCloud? Go ahead and sign out of your iCloud account/Apple ID on the iPhone or iPad where you’re having this problem. After signing out, restart your iPhone and sign in again. Once that’s done, your iCloud files should download without problems. Here’s a tutorial to help: How to sign out of iCloud or Apple ID and sign in again.
If iCloud files are still not appearing and showing inside the Files app, go ahead and reset all iPhone settings. This will erase all the settings you have ever changed and bring them to the default configuration. Once that’s done, your iCloud Drive issues should be fixed.
Finally, if nothing worked for you, and downloading files is essential, try using a web browser instead of the Files app.
Tip: I recommend using Safari as it will let you sign in simply using Face ID or Touch ID (You won’t have to enter your Apple ID password).
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