John
The iCloud Photo Library feature is a dependable method for securely storing your precious photos. However, it can become frustrating when the iCloud photo upload process encounters issues, a common one being when the progress becomes stuck at 1%. This problem can arise for various reasons, from network connection errors to iCloud storage limits.
This guide will delve into the reasons behind the iCloud photo upload getting stuck at 1%. Additionally, it will teach you several methods to resolve this issue, from simple restarts to system-wide setting resets, ensuring the issue gets resolved, and you can upload the photos without a hitch.
Part 1. Why does iCloud Photos Upload Stuck at 1%?
iCloud can occasionally encounter issues, one of which includes photo uploads getting stuck. iCloud photo upload being stuck at 1% can be attributed to several factors:
- Insufficient iCloud storage: iCloud offers users 5GB of free storage. If you’ve already utilized this space, you won’t be able to upload more photos unless you clear some space or purchase additional storage.
- Poor Internet connection: iCloud necessitates a stable Internet connection for photo uploads. Therefore, weak or inconsistent connections can disrupt the process, leading to stalled photo uploads.
- Low Power Mode is enabled: When the Low Power Mode on your iPhone is active, the device’s performance and network connectivity are reduced, which can affect iCloud photo uploads.
- Issues with your iPhone: Misconfigured software or settings can also be culprits when iCloud photo uploads get stuck.
Whatever the root cause, you can fix the iCloud photo uploads getting stuck at 1%. The following section will show comprehensive solutions to tackle the issue effectively.
Part 2. How to Fix iCloud Photos Stuck at 1%
Now that you know all the possible causes behind the “iCloud Photos upload stuck at 1%” issue, it is time to learn and fix it.
Method 1: Restart Your iPhone
A restart is one of the most straightforward solutions to specific software issues like the Cloud Photo upload getting stuck at 1% on the iPhone.
Restarting your iPhone halts all the background tasks and resets the device’s software environment. This can resolve minor software conflicts and glitches that may prevent the iCloud photo upload from progressing beyond 1%.
1. Restart iPhone X and later:
- Press and hold the Side and volume buttons until you see the power off slider on the screen.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo indicates the device is rebooting.
2. Restart iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 7, or 6:
- Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn your iPhone completely off.
- Press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo to restart the iPhone.
3. Restart iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier:
- Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Press and hold the top button again until you see the Apple logo.
Method 2: Reset Network Settings and Reconnect Wi-Fi
If the iCloud photo upload is stuck at 1% due to network errors, resetting the network settings on your iPhone might be a potential solution. This process wipes all erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings and restores them to their factory defaults. And you will have to enter these details manually.
- Open Settings app.
- Choose “General.”
- Scroll down and select “Reset.”
- Select “Reset Network Settings.”
- You have to enter the passcode.
- And then, confirm by choosing “Reset Network Settings” in the dialog box.
After you reset the network settings, reconnect the iPhone to your Wi-Fi network and upload the photos to iCloud again.
Method 3: Ensure Enough iCloud Storage
Insufficient iCloud storage space is one of the most common reasons for iCloud photo uploads getting stuck at 1%. Apple allocates 5GB of free iCloud storage to its users. So, if you’re running low on storage space, it can prevent you from uploading any new content.
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Click on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- Choose “iCloud.”
- At the top of the screen, you’ll see the used and total iCloud storage.
If you are close to the limit or out of storage, you can free up space or buy more.
To manage iCloud storage:
- In the same “iCloud” menu, Choose “Manage Storage.“
- You will see a list of backups and the apps using the existing iCloud storage.
- Choose the app or backup you want to manage.
- Select “Delete” or “Turn Off & Delete” to free up storage.
After you have enough storage on iCloud, upload the photos again.
Method 4: Turn Off Low Power Mode
The Low Power Mode on your iPhone, designed to extend the device’s battery life, can interfere with network connectivity. Therefore, if Low Power Mode is activated, it could slow down the upload speed or even intermittently pause it, resulting in the iCloud photo upload getting stuck at 1%.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Choose “Battery.”
- Toggle the switch assigned to “Low Power Mode” and ensure to turn it off.
After disabling Low Power Mode, you can try to upload your photos to iCloud again. If they’re still stuck, proceed to the following method.
Method 5: Disable & Re-enable iCloud Photos Library
Sometimes iCloud photo library may experience internal inconsistencies, leading to iCloud photo uploads getting stuck at 1%. However, you can fix this quickly by disabling and re-enabling the iCloud Photos Library.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Click on your Apple ID at the top.
- Select “iCloud.”
- Then, choose “Photos.”
- Toggle off iCloud Photos.
- After a few moments, toggle iCloud Photos back on.
This should resolve the issue, as your iPhone will reconnect with the iCloud server. However, if the photos are not uploaded, proceed with the next solution.
Method 6: Optimize iPhone Storage
When you enable the Optimize iPhone Storage feature, the iPhone’s full-resolution versions of the photos and videos are replaced with smaller, device-sized versions. And the full-resolution originals are uploaded to iCloud. And since you have optimized the storage, you will reduce the load on your iCloud upload process, which could solve the issue of photo uploads getting stuck at 1%.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Click on your Apple ID at the top.
- Choose “iCloud.”
- Select “Photos.”
- Then, choose the “Optimize iPhone Storage” option. This will enable the option.
Method 7: Sign Out of your iCloud Account From All Devices
iCloud accounts are sometimes prone to glitches due to synchronization issues across multiple devices. Consider signing out of your iCloud account on all devices and then signing back in to address this.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on your name to access Apple ID settings.
- Scroll down and choose the “Sign Out” option at the bottom.
- You must enter the Apple ID password to turn off the “Find My iPhone” feature. Enter the password and then select “Turn Off.”
- Choose the data you want to keep a copy of on your iPhone, then choose “Sign Out” again.
- Confirm by tapping “Sign Out” in the popup.
After signing out of iCloud on all your devices, sign back in. Upon signing back into your iCloud account, try to upload your photos again.
Method 8: Reset All Settings on Your iPhone
If your iCloud photo uploads remain stuck at 1%, resetting all settings on your iPhone is best. This action will not delete personal data but revert all the system settings to their default state.
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Select “General.”
- Scroll down and choose “Reset.”
- Then select “Reset All Settings.”
- Enter your iPhone’s passcode to proceed.
- Confirm the action by choosing “Reset All Settings.”
Method 9: Fix Your iOS Issues
Despite your best efforts, if the iCloud photo upload is still stuck at 1%, it might result from more complex iOS issues. In such cases, third-party iOS system repair tools can be a helpful resource.
Many tools are available; one of the most trusted ones is Tenorshare ReiBoot. Its ability to resolve common iOS issues, including the iCloud photo upload issue, sets it apart from other tools in the market.
Besides providing a one-click solution to fix the “iCloud stuck at 1%” issue, ReiBoot can also resolve other iOS system issues. Its user-friendly and straightforward interface makes it simple for technophobes to fix the issue and ensure smooth photo uploads to the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my photos be lost if the iCloud photo upload is stuck at 1%?
No. The photos on your iPhone will remain intact. However, the photos not uploaded to iCloud will not be available on other devices.
Why does the iCloud photo upload take so long or seem stuck?
iCloud photo uploads can take time due to several reasons. These include slow internet connections, large file sizes, or if there’s a large number of photos to be uploaded.
Is it necessary to connect to Wi-Fi to upload iCloud photos?
Yes. You can upload iCloud photos using cellular data. However, using a Wi-Fi connection is generally recommended for a more stable upload process.
How can I check the progress of my iCloud photo upload?
- Open the “Photos” app on your iPhone.
- Select “Photos” at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to a screen that displays all your photos chronologically. Scroll down to the bottom of the list.
- At the bottom, you’ll see a status indicating the number of items remaining to be uploaded, provided photos or videos are still uploading
Conclusion
The iCloud photo stuck at 1% issue is generally resolvable with a clear understanding of its cause and troubleshooting issue. And that’s where this guide helps you and introduces you to all the troubleshooting steps.
You can try the methods mentioned one by one in this guide and resolve the issue. Additionally, you can use this guide as a reference if you ever encounter problems with iCloud photo uploads.
