iCloud is the smart, efficient way to store your photos thanks to it’s ability to sync in real-time.  Take a photo on an iPhone, and it automatically appears on an iPad. Create a photo album in the iPhone Photos app, and it simultaneously appears in the Mac photo albums, too. 

However, like any tech device or software, you  can sometimes have issues. Sometimes syncing problems occur with iCloud. Sometimes it doesn’t sync at all. Images may fail to upload or get misplaced, which means users may need to recover photos from iCloud. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix syncing issues with iCloud photos across devices and platforms to avoid you losing any precious photos.

What to do if your iCloud Photo Library is not syncing 

If your  iCloud Photos are not syncing, typically, one of two things will resolve it. This is usually a connection issue or a storage issue.

Internet connection

If your photos are not syncing to iCloud, there’s a good chance the internet isn’t connected to which may be preventing the sync. Check if there’s an available WiFi or Cellular option on the device. If there’s something wrong with the WiFi, try to fix it before syncing. Or if you are using cellular data for uploading photos, make sure that data is enabled on your iPhone. Here’s how:

• Go to “Settings” on the iPhone > Photos > Wireless Data.
• Tap on Wireless Data > Choose “WLAN & Cellular Data” to allow iCloud to sync your photos via WiFi or cellular (if there’s no WiFi available, it will automatically use cellular)

iCloud storage

By default, an iCloud account offers 5GB of storage to save photos and other files. The message “iCloud photo library not updating” may indicate that the limit may have been exceeded. One way to fix this issue is to create space in your account by removing unnecessary files from your account. This includes apps, Drive files, photos, videos, and other data. 

Another way to resolve the problem is to upgrade your current plan. Apple offers multiple plans for more account storage. Subscribe to a larger storage plan directly from your iPhone and iPad, as well.

iCloud photo library

Turning the iCloud Photo Library on an iPhone off and then on again may also fix an iCloud Photo Library sync issue. Make sure the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and take these steps:

• Go to the “Settings” app and tap on your Apple ID (where your name and photo are).
• Tap on “iCloud” and then “Photos.”
• Toggle the “iCloud Photos” to the “Off” and then “On” position.

iCloud Photos Not Syncing to Mac

Any Apple device with the eligible operating system can access, upload, sync, and edit the iCloud Photo Library with a related iCloud account. They must all be signed in with an Apple ID. iCloud photos not syncing to a Mac can happen. There are several simple fixes in the event this occurs. 

Apple ID

If iCloud photos are not syncing to a Mac, open the “Accounts” menu of the iCloud app. Check that the same Apple ID is logged in across all devices. Make sure that the photos are appearing on that Apple account on iCloud. Once all Apple ID accounts are synced, iCloud won’t have a problem syncing to any device being used.

Enable iCloud photo library

The best way to solve iCloud Photos’ not syncing to a Mac is to enable the iCloud Photo Library. Since it’s an optional feature offered by Apple’s iCloud service, it’s not turned on automatically. By enabling this feature, your images are automatically backed-up and synced to iCloud. This optimizes your storage and frees up space, so you don’t have to delete your photos. Follow these steps to enable iCloud Photo Library on a Mac:

• Check that the computer is connected to a stable WiFi connection first.
• Open the “Photos” app on the Mac.
• Select the “Photos” menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
• Go to “Preferences.”
• Click on the “iCloud” tab.
• Make sure the “iCloud Photos” checkbox is checked. This will start uploading all images stored in the Photos app to iCloud and sync photos taken from then on.

How to update iCloud photos

If a “Cannot connect to iCloud” notification pops up when trying to sign in or sync data, check to ensure Apple’s system is online. Go to Apple’s System Status page and find “Photos.” If there is a red or yellow dot, something is wrong with the app. You’ll need to wait while Apple fixes the problem from their side. Once the issue is resolved, the dot will be green.

iCloud Photos Not Syncing to Windows

If iCloud Photos are not  syncing from a Windows computer, it may be running an older version of the iCloud app. Updating to the latest version should fix the issue. Here’s how to check and update iCloud in Windows:

• Search for “Apple Software Update” and open it.
• Select “iCloud” in the software list and click “Install” at the bottom.

Another way to update iCloud for Windows is to download the app again. Open a browser and go to the iCloud for Windows website to start the process.

Update Apple devices

An entire iOS update doesn’t have to be performed within Windows. Open the “Apple Software Update” utility via the “Start” menu. Install any available updates for iCloud and/or related Apple software programs (such as iTunes). This may help get iCloud syncing on track.

Photos Not Syncing to iCloud

If you notice that recent photos haven’t appeared on other devices, it’s clear photos aren’t syncing to iCloud. Here are some simple fixes to address any photo syncing issues.

Update iOS

Every once in a while, an update is available for either macOS or apps installed on an iOS device. It’s important to keep the system software and apps up to date. This ensures the system is stable and apps run error-free. If an older iOS or macOS version is running on your devices, it may be the reason iCloud Photos are not syncing. Update to the latest versions and this should fix the issue.

Here’s how to update iOS on an iPhone or iPad:

• Open the “Settings” on your device.
• Tap the “General” option.
• Tap the “Software Update” option.
• The “Download and Install” option will appear if an update is available. Tap this to start the update.

Alternative Ways to Sync 

For many Apple users, iCloud is used on its own to sync and back up data. However, there are alternatives to the iCloud app. iCloud has a limited amount of free storage and there are alternative cloud storage services on an iPhone or Mac. They offer the option to either switch over from iCloud or use extra space with iCloud’s storage service for maximum storage and protection.

iCloud app alternatives

There are many alternatives to using the iCloud app to sync and store photos across iOS devices. Here are three of the most used and reliable alternatives available.

• Microsoft OneDrive offers the same amount of free storage as iCloud Drive. It’s a good option if you use a Windows device alongside an iPhone and Mac. You can access files across all platforms with minimal issues. 
• Google Drive gives users 15GB of free cloud storage on the iPhone and Mac. Also, Google Photos (which needs to be downloaded separately on the iPhone) allows unlimited photos to be downloaded.  Photos are stored in compressed quality without using any space in Google Drive. 
• Dropbox offers solid cloud storage capabilities that work well across platforms. Files are uploaded quickly on the iPhone. An entire camera roll can be uploaded to Dropbox servers, as well. On the Mac, DropBox syncs select folders to the cloud. It offers Files On-Demand functionality and 30-day version history for your files.

Following these simple steps ensures photos stay safe and accessible whenever you need them. And once you’re ready to transfer your photos, why not showcase them in stunning quality? Whether you’re looking to gift a loved one with a personalized calendar, or treat yourself to a bespoke photo book, Motif makes it easy to display and share any photos you’ve been storing.

The post iCloud Photos Not Syncing: How to Guide appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Cloud-based storage such as iCloud and Google has changed the way people store and organize photos. These platforms save photos in databases and across multiple platforms. Accessing iCloud photos is easy and can be done by any iOS device, web browser, or Windows. Google Photos is equally simple  when it comes to viewing, sharing, and organizing photos.

If you’re asking yourself whether iCloud or Google Photos are safe to use, this blog will explore and explain how secure and private these two cloud-based systems are.

Is iCloud Safe?

iCloud’s basic safety features are designed to protect photos and the iOS device user’s data. There are also enhanced safety features that users can enable themselves, ensuring peace of mind that photographs are protected.

Encrypted backups

Encryption is the process of protecting an image while it’s transmitted (uploaded or downloaded) from an Apple device. If someone were to try and copy data for a photo being uploaded from an iPhone to iCloud, they wouldn’t be able to see the actual image. Everything stored in iCloud, including iCloud photos, is securely encrypted in transit and stored with encryption keys. Encryption keys are stored on Apple’s servers. Without these encryption keys, files can not be decrypted.

Apple also uses “end-to-end” encryption for data. The encryption includes iCloud’s password keychain of users ’ stored passwords to websites, apps, social networks, and messaging. End-to-end encryption consists of a password only known to the end-user. Without that password, no one, including Apple, can decrypt the data. It’s important to note that Apple will not use end-to-end encryption for complete iCloud backups. Photos are encrypted in iCloud photos.

Two-factor authentication

Apple’s two-factor authentication system is a security measure. It creates an access code for your Apple ID after entering a username and password on a new device or into iCloud.com. It works by designating a second Apple product as a ‘trusted device,’ such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. When logging into iCloud, a 6-digit code is requested and appears on the trusted device screen. You can’t log in without the 6-digit code, even with the correct username and password.

Here’s how to set up two-factor authentication on an iPhone:

1. Tap “Settings.”
2. Tap your name to access the Apple ID screen.
3. Tap “Password and Security.”
4. Tap “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.”
5. Tap “Continue” two times.
6. Enter a trusted phone number where you want to receive verification codes when signing in to iCloud.
7. Tap either “Text Message” or “Phone Call” for how you want to receive the codes.
8. Tap “Next.”
9. Enter the verification code sent.

iCloud Privacy

iCloud privacy protects photos from being viewed by anyone other than you and those with whom you’ve specifically shared them. 

Privacy policy summary

Apple takes privacy for users and its products seriously. The Privacy Policy Summary on its website states:

“Privacy is a fundamental human right. Your devices are important to so many parts of your life. What you share from those experiences, and who you share it with, should be up to you. We design Apple products to protect your privacy and give you control over your information.”

Apple doesn’t look for or see what members are using or sharing through Apple-designed apps. For example, Apple has designed Photos to process images right on a Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Apple doesn’t have access to them. When apps request access to photos, you can share just the images you want — not your entire library – or deny permission for access, too.

iCloud storage family sharing privacy

iCloud Family Sharing lets you and up to five family members share access to Apple services, including an iCloud storage plan and family photo album. iCloud storage family sharing privacy keeps documents and photos private. Everyone continues to use their own accounts within the shared iCloud storage. Family members are only sharing available cloud space, not personal data.

iCloud Security Tips

iCloud’s encryption and two-factor authentication are robust security options. There are other security tips to make iCloud photos, and iOS devices in general, even more secure:

• Create a strong password, and change it regularly. Apple requires this password must be at least eight characters long, use upper and lowercase letters, and have at least one number.
• Set up security questions in Apple ID. Two-factor authentication replaces security questions once set up. 
• When signing into your Apple account on a public device or a device that isn’t yours, log out from your account when finished. 

Is Google Photos Safe?

The only way people can see your Google Photos is to share them using the sharing features provided by Google Photos. Only backed-up pictures can be shared. If the backup feature is turned off and you share a photo, it will be uploaded to Google Photos first.

If you’re questioning whether or not Google Photos is safe, here are three ways to share photos safely:

• Share with other Google Photos users.
• Share with a Google Photos link.
• Share with a partner account.

For all the ways to share, the person you’ve shared photos with can share them with more people. That can happen by the link-sharing feature of Google Photos or by downloading them. If you share the link, anyone having access to that link can view the photo, and they can pass along the link to others, as well. 

Google Photos Privacy

With Google Photos, all photos uploaded are private by default. The only way photos become public is if another person is tagged in a photo or if an image is shared with another user. 

Privacy issues

Photo link sharing in Google Photos has been a concern. There are extra steps to ensure that your photo libraries stay private. Follow these steps to create a private photo album only you can see:

1. On your iPhone, open the Google Photos app.
2. Tap “Album.” then “New Album.”
3. Type in a title for the album.
4. Tap “Select photos.”
5. Add the picture(s) or video(s) you want to that album.
6. Tap “Add.”

Google Photos doesn’t have a “hide” feature. Photos can be archived. This moves them from your main library into an archive. This hides them. Here’s how to archive a photo on Google Photos:

1. Select the photo(s) you want to archive.
2. In the upper-right corner, tap the ellipses.
3. Tap “Archive.”

Google Photos Security Tips

Google has security in place for its cloud-based storage service. There are privacy and security tips to keep Google photos more secure.

• Only share pictures with people you know.
• Check the Sharing settings on each album you create.
• Don’t upload pictures to Shared Albums from people you don’t know.
• Turn on Remove Geo-Location in Items Shared by Link.
• Turn off Google Location History in the Google Photos Settings.
• Occasionally check the Sharing settings on your account to keep things private.

Following these easy yet mindful steps will ensure photos will stay safe and accessible. If you’d like to share your favorite photos, look no further than Motif. Feature your special memories in a high-quality photo book, calendar, or card. Motif makes it simple to design and create a beautiful personalized keepsake with just a few quick clicks.

The post Google Photos vs iCloud: Which Is Better for Keeping Your Photos Safe appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Uploading photos to Apple’s iCloud enables you to back-up your precious memories and easily access photos wherever you are.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to upload photos to iCloud from iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, Macs and Windows PCs. We’ll also explain the different options you have when storing photos on your devices, and troubleshoot common issues.

How to upload photos to iCloud from iPhone or iPad

Follow these simple steps to turn on iCloud and all your images will be automatically uploaded.

1. Go to Settings
This is the cog icon on your home screen.

2. Select your name

3. Tap iCloud

4. Tap Photos

5. Turn on iCloud Photos
Make sure the button next iCloud Photos is green. Just tap it to change colour.

6. Select how you want to store your photos
You’ll be given two options:

• Optimize iPhone Storage. Your phone will contain optimized, lower-resolution versions of your iCloud photos while full-resolution (and larger file size) versions will be stored in the iCloud (and are accessible when you have an internet connection)

• Download and Keep Originals. This option lets you download all your photos and videos in full-resolution. It means you can enjoy higher quality images all of the time, but it will require much more storage space.

7. Turn on Upload to My Photo Stream
Select the slider to change it to green (if not already). Enabling this means all new photos and videos will automatically upload to iCloud whenever you’re connected to WiFi.

How to upload photos to iCloud from Mac

To upload photos to iCloud when using a Mac, you just need to drag and drop your chosen files into the Photos library. Any photos or videos saved here will be automatically uploaded to iCloud Photos. This can include photos captured by a camera, content saved from online, anything that’s been shared with you, and any other photos and videos in suitable file formats.

You can do this by opening up the location of your flash drive, hard drive, Finder, Downloads folder and simply dragging and dropping content. To do this, just highlight the content you want to upload and drag into the iCloud Photos window.

First, however, you’ll need to make sure you have iCloud Photos turned on. To do this:

1. Open the Photos app

2. Click on Photos in the menu bar
You’ll find this in the top left corner.

3. Select Preferences

4. Click the box next to iCloud Photos

5. Select how you want to store your photos
You’ll be given two options:

• Optimize iPhone Storage. Your phone will contain optimized, lower-resolution versions of your iCloud photos while full-resolution (and larger file size) versions will be stored in the iCloud (and are accessible when you have an internet connection).

• Download and Keep Originals. This option lets you download all your photos and videos in full-resolution. It means you can enjoy higher quality images all of the time, but it will require much more storage space.

How to upload photos to iCloud from Windows PC

You can upload photos to iCloud even when you’re not using an Apple product. It takes a few extra steps but once you know how to do it, it can be just as painless as uploading from a Mac.

1. Download iCloud for Windows
Visit Apple Support and download iCloud for Windows.

2. Open iCloud for Windows
Once installed, simply launch the iCloud for Windows program.

3. Select Options

4. Select iCloud Photo Library

5. Click Done

6. Click Apply
This will set your preferences.

7. Enable iCloud Photo Library on your iOS devices
This gives permission to sync. You can also select what exactly you’d like to share between devices here, such as your Photo Stream, and whether you download and upload new images to your PC automatically. If you don’t select an automatic option, you’ll just need to follow the further steps below to upload individual images.

8. Open Windows Explorer

9. Select icloud Photos

10. Select Upload Photos

11. Select the images you want to upload

12. Select Open

Alternatively, you can use the drag and drop method. Just drop them into the Uploads folder on your Mac. This is likely easier when you are uploading multiple images.

How to store your photos on your iPhone or iPad

As we’ve already discussed, you can choose how you store your photos on your iPhone or iPad dependent on your preferred image quality and storage availability.

You’ll be given two options:

Optimize iPhone Storage

Your phone will contain optimized, lower-resolution versions of your iCloud photos while full-resolution (and larger file size) versions will be stored in the iCloud (and are accessible when you have an internet connection).

As the files will be smaller, the transfer time between devices will usually be quicker, too.

Download and Keep Originals

This option lets you download all your photos and videos in full-resolution. It means you can enjoy higher quality images all of the time, but it will require much more storage space.

This is particularly useful if you connect your device to larger screens as the original high resolution will be suitable for that screen.

Why are photos not uploading to iCloud?

There are various reasons as to why your photos may not be uploading to iCloud. Commonly, this is caused by iCloud Photo Library not being enabled, running out of iCloud Storage, experiencing a network issue, or a login problem with your iCloud account.

These problems can usually be easily remedied:

• iCloud Photo Library is not enabled – Use your iPhone or iPad to navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos and make sure the slider next to iCloud Photos is green. If it is, iCloud Photos is enabled. If it’s not, just tap it to change color and turn it on.
• Insufficient iCloud Storage – To find out how much space is available on your device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. You can choose to buy additional iCloud Storage if you like. Alternatively, you may want to delete unwanted photos already in your iCloud.
• It’s a network issue – Go to Settings > Photos > Cellular Data to check that you’re connected to the internet, whether this is via WiFi and Cellular Data. You can see how strong the signal is here too.
• Login problem with your iCloud account – Visit Settings > [Your Name] and here you can see if you are logged into iCloud. If you’ve changed your Apple ID’s password, you’ll need to update your credentials here.

How long does it take for photos to upload to iCloud?

The length of time it takes for your photos and/or videos to upload to iCloud will depend on the amount of photos you want to upload and the speed of your internet connection.

If you have a large amount of photos and videos you want to upload, this may take longer than usual. You can see the status of this upload and pause the upload for one day if you need. To do this:

• On your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos. Alternatively, go to the Photos app, select the Photos tab, and scroll to the bottom and click Pause.
• On your Mac, open the Photos app. Click on Photos in the sidebar, click Photos or Moments in the toolbar, scroll to the bottom of your photos and click Pause.

Create beautiful gifts with your iCloud Photos

Now that you’ve uploaded your photos to iCloud, you’re able to access them on any device you choose. And from there, you can choose to do whatever you’d like with them.

Transform your images into wonderful photo books and more with Motif.

The post How to Upload Photos to iCloud: Using iCloud to Store Your Photos appeared first on The Motif Blog.