My laptop is frequently disconnected from the internet, something that I hope would not surprise Apple. (I mean, it’s a portable computer.) When it does connect, I would expect iCloud Drive to sync.
For each of the last three days, it has been connected to the internet (as evidenced by browsing, if nothing else) for multiple hours each day. Why does the Mac say iCloud Drive is not synced? But wait, there’s more.
Each symbol is for a file or folder for which I have checked Keep Downloaded. Each cloud (and some of the arrows) is for a folder. If I look in the associated folder, all files have the arrow. If there is a nested folder, it might have an arrow or a cloud. Repeat, recursively. All files, at any level, have arrows. As far as I can tell (and I have not checked exhaustively, but I have checked exhaustively for at least two of the folders), there are no missing files. In short, as far as I can tell, all files are synced. Why does macOS indicate some things are not synced? Why doesn’t macOS sync when it has a network connection? Is there some way I can tell macOS to sync now? Thanks.
From observation of my iCloud, I interpret what you ware seeing as:
“Synced with iCloud”. You are saying that all files are synced, so that is correct.
“Last sync 3 days ago”. The last sync change was 3 days ago. Is that right? Changes are more of a push than a check.
Arrows and clouds: Yes, I find that confusing for folders. If all files have arrows or clouds, it is good. I try not to worry about icons on folders. But the folders having a cloud with arrow are worrying. Try a right click and Download Now on those specific folders.
Do you have any hidden files inside the folders? They can be problematic if not uploadable.
It can be helpful to put iCloud Drive in list view and add the iCloud Status column. Only then can you rely on the descriptions in Check your iCloud Drive file and folder status on Mac – Apple Support (AU) . Do you still have clouds with arrow? If so, show us more detail - the complete lines in list view would help.
“Why doesn’t macOS sync when it has a network connection? Is there some way I can tell macOS to sync now?” I don’t think there is anything to show it is not in sync. From what you say all files are correct.
This information is also available directly in MacOS. When viewing your iCloud drive in the Finder, click the Help menu then enter iCloud Status in the search box. The referenced article will open in the Mac User Guide pop up window.
I don’t understand what you mean by “last sync change”. There had been several changes within the preceding 3 days, and most folders (including those that had the cloud with the down arrow) are set to Keep Downloaded. But the files show the Keep Downloaded indicator, which I assume means the file is downloaded.
Not that I know of and certainly not intentionally.
When I did that, the status indicators appeared to be the same as what I saw in Column view. Why do you say I cannot rely on the status indicators in Column view? In answer to “Do you still have clouds with arrow?”, I’m at the wrong computer but will try to remember to check.
Thanks for the link to the Mac User Guide page on file and folder status.
As far as I can tell, all files are in sync. But I understand the clouds with the down arrows next to some folders mean that something is not in sync.
Nothing happens when I do that, perhaps because I’m running Sequoia.
are worrying. Try a right click and Download Now on those specific folders.