[Most Useful] 8 Solutions to iCloud Waiting to Upload

In the iCloud uploading process, you may find that the data is waiting to upload iCloud and can’t move in a long time. This passage gives 8 solutions and a better backup app to fix the issue efficiently.

By @Kathy Last Updated December 5, 2023
 

Why is my iCloud upload stuck on waiting?

My Mac has been uploading several files for weeks. The never ending iCloud uploading process drives me crazy. Is there anyone who can help me?

- Question from Ask Different

Why is iCloud waiting to upload?

Uploading data to iCloud makes you easily back up your files. And you can access the imported data on various devices via the sync feature. However, if your iCloud is stuck in the uploading process, then all you can do is wait. Why does this issue occur? Let’s find the reasons in the box below.

⭕ A sluggish or unreliable internet connection.
⭕ Numerous large files are uploading.
⭕ iCloud storage is lacking space.
⭕ Compatibility problems with your device's software and system.
⭕ Network firewalls or imposed restrictions.
⭕ Short-lived server issues with iCloud.

How to fix iCloud waiting to upload

Regardless of the cause of this issue, you can now systematically try the following methods to determine which one is the most effective. Solution 3 may be the most useful free way to help you upload data to iCloud at a much faster speed.

If the process of fixing the issue seems too troublesome for you, you can use the professional tool mentioned in the next part to back up iPhone/iPad data on your PC efficiently.

Solution 1. Check network settings

At times, when iCloud reminds you to wait for upload, it might be due to unstable network settings. To solve this problem, ensure you have a stable internet connection on your device.

Alternatively, you can attempt to fix it by resetting your network settings on your iPhone/iPad. To do this, just go to your device's Settings > Tap on General > Reset > Choose Reset Network Settings to erase all network settings on your device.

After a while, you can reconnect the iPhone/iPad to a reliable network to restart the uploading process.

Solution 2. Stop and restart the uploads

To address iCloud files stuck in the "iCloud waiting to upload" status, you can open the iCloud app on your device or visit iCloud.com. Identify the files that are stuck in this status and pause their upload. After a short pause, resume the upload process. This often helps to restart the syncing process.

🔥Solution 3. Use a professional tool to upload iCloud data for free

As an all-in-one iCloud data management tool, FoneTool can help you easily upload, download and delete iCloud data at a faster speed than what iCloud offers.

For people who need to switch to a new iCloud account, you can also use this powerful tool to move all iCloud data from one account to another.

If you want to explore its features and advantages, just come and download it on your Windows PC to use. You need to transfer your iPhone/iPad data to the computer first and then upload it to iCloud.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Transfer iPhone/iPad data to PC

Step 1. Launch FoneTool on PC > Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer via a USB cable > If asks, tap Trust on iPhone/iPad to continue.

Tip: If it's the first time to plug your iPhone/iPad to this computer, but you don't receive the "Trust This Computer" message on your device, just find solutions in this Fixed! “Trust This Computer” not Showing UP on iPhone article.

Step 2. Go to Phone Transfer > Choose iPhone to PC and click Get Started.

Step 3. Check and click each icon to preview and select the targeted files > Then click OK.

Step 4. Click Transfer Settings to choose a storage path > Click Start Transfer to start the process.

After the transfer process, then you can use FoneTool to upload your iPhone/iPad data to iCloud.

Upload data to iCloud

Step 1. Go to My iCloud > Log in with your Apple ID > Choose Manage iCloud to begin.

Step 2. Here we take uploading photos as an example. Click the Photos icon showing on the screen > Click Upload to continue.

Step 3. Choose the targeted photos from the computer > Click Open to begin the tasks.

Solution 4. Clear some iCloud data

Sometimes, the waiting to upload iCloud problem might be caused by insufficient iCloud storage. To solve this issue, try to delete some old backups to make space for new uploads. 

Just open the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad > Tap on iCloud > Scroll down and select Manage Storage > Review your current iCloud storage and consider freeing up space by removing old backups.

Tip: If this action can’t provide enough iCloud storage for you to upload your data, you can use FoneTool mentioned in Solution 3 to delete your iCloud data manually or skip to the next part to back up your iPhone/iPad data without storage limitations.

Solution 5. Restart your device

If the previous method doesn't work, you can try restarting your device and then start the upload process again to see if the uploading data to iCloud stuck issue has been solved.

For iPhone/iPad

Launch the Settings app and choose General > Find and click the Shut Down option in the list > Drag the power-off slider icon to the right > Wait 30 seconds after the screen darkens, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

For Windows PC

Go to Start, select the Power button, and then select Restart to finish the process.

For Mac

Step 1. Go to the Apple Menu and choose Restart.

Step 2. Uncheck the box next to Reopen windows when logging back in > Select Restart to confirm the choice.

Solution 6. Turn off the firewall or restrictions

You can temporarily deactivate any firewall or network constraints that might obstruct the connection between your device and iCloud servers. For help with this, you can reach out to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or your IT department.

Solution 7. Log off and log in the iCloud again

Logging off your iCloud account and then logging back in after some time might also be helpful.

On your iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Click your Apple ID > Scroll down and choose Sign Out > Then sign back in using your Apple ID and password.

On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Click on your Apple ID and select Overview > Click on Sign Out and then sign back in.

On Windows PC: Open iCloud for Windows > Tap on Sign Out to make it > After a while, log in to restart the uploading process.

Solution 8. Update software on your device

If there is an outdated operating system running on your device, you can update it to fix compatibility problems.

For iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings app > General > Software Update > Choose Update Now to start.

Note: If your device is unable to check for update, find solutions in this page: 9 Ways to Fix iPhone/iPad Unable to Check for Update

For Mac: Launch the Apple menu (Apple logo) > System Settings > Choose General on the left side of the System Settings window > Select Software Update on the right > Click Update Now to begin. Or turn on the Apple menu > System Preferences > Choose Software Update > Update Now.

For Windows 10: Click on the Start button (Windows logo) > Click on Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

For Windows 7 and Windows 8.1: Click the Start button > Windows Update > Check for updates to make it.

Bonus: A better iCloud alternative to back up iPhone/iPad

When it comes to backing up iPhone/iPad on PC, the gotta-have-it FoneTool can offer you more excellent functions.

 Preview and selective backup: You can fully back up or flexibly view the iPhone files on PC and choose which needs to be selectively backed up.  Much faster transfer: The super-fast transfer speed can help you move all iPhone/iPad data to PC in a very short time.  No data loss: All data can be kept in original quality in all processes.  No size limitation: FoneTool doesn't limit the size of data you can transfer. The size of files you can backup is only determined by the storage capacity of the target device.  Wide compatibility: FoneTool has very few operational errors and is compatible with all iPhone and iPad models.

Now you can download it on your Windows PC and learn how to selectively back up data as you like.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Launch FoneTool and connect your iPhone/iPad to your PC using a USB cable.

Step 2. Choose Phone Backup > Selective Backup > Click Get Started. (Or you can choose Full Backup to fully back up all data on your device.)

Step 3. You can check and click Photos, Music, Videos, Contacts, and Messages to choose the data > Click OK to continue.

Step 4. Tap on Backup Storage Path to choose a backup storage location > Click Start Backup to confirm the choice.

Once the process is complete, you can go to Backup History and click View dot to check if your data is backed up. And next time, you can click Restore dot to restore the backup to your current device or another iOS device without any Apple ID restriction.

Conclusion

To solve the iCloud waiting to upload issue, you can use these 8 ways above. If you are looking for a better tool to upload data to iCloud or want to get a better iCloud alternative to back up iPhone/iPad data on PC, then the all-in-one iPhone/iPad/iCloud data management app - FoneTool will help you a lot.