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Craft iCloud External Storage Not Syncing

Ongoing macOS, iOS, iPadOS Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Craft's iCloud Drive External Storage spaces depend on iCloud, and Craft says it doesn't recommend using them across multiple devices. Force an iCloud sync, turn off Optimize Mac Storage, and check Apple's System Status — or move the space to Craft's own sync.

Most likely fix: Trigger iCloud sync.

Symptoms

Documents in an External (iCloud Drive) space are out of date on other devices, missing, or show conflicts.

Why it happens

  • iCloud Drive hasn't downloaded or uploaded the files
  • Optimize Mac Storage offloading files
  • Low storage or Low Power Mode pausing iCloud
  • Apple iCloud outage

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Trigger iCloud sync

    1. Open the Files app (iOS) or Finder (Mac) and open the Craft folder to force download
    2. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off
    3. Restart the device

  2. 2. Disable Optimize Mac Storage

    1. System Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > iCloud Drive
    2. Turn off Optimize Mac Storage

  3. 3. Check storage, battery and Apple status

    1. Free device and iCloud storage
    2. Turn off Low Power Mode
    3. Check apple.com/support/systemstatus for iCloud Drive

  4. 4. Use Craft sync instead

    1. For multi-device use, keep documents in a normal Craft space rather than External Storage

This guide also covers

  • craft icloud sync
  • craft external storage
  • craft icloud not syncing

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