Whether you want to give a clearer shape to your imagination, get creative at your own pace and style, or collaborate on a project, Apple will live up to your expectations – with aplomb. However, it’s not perfect in all aspects – certainly not on the syncing front. One of the most annoying issues that haunts many users is the inability to sync the Freeform app with iCloud. If you are also having the same problem, I have got you covered with some workable tips. That said, let’s head over to try the 11 best tips to fix the Freeform app not syncing with iCloud.
Fix Freeform App Not Syncing with iCloud
To begin with, let’s first briefly discuss the possible reasons behind the syncing issue.
So, What’s Preventing Freeform from Syncing with iCloud?
Having myself been on the wrong end of this issue, I suspect a software bug could be very much in the play. At times, the iCloud syncing works as expected. However, on some occasions, it fails to sync the boards without any obvious reasons whatsoever. That aside, you can also blame miscellaneous glitches for Freeform’s inability to sync with iCloud.
1. Ensure That You Have Sufficient iCloud Storage
Since Apple offers just 5GB of free iCloud storage, make sure you have sufficient cloud storage to be able to sync Freeform boards. If your iCloud storage is full, free up some space.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Apple ID banner -> iCloud -> Manage Account Storage.
- On this screen, check out how much data each app has stored in iCloud. Now, you can tap on a specific app and choose to delete its stored data. Besides, you also have the option to upgrade your iCloud storage plan (starting at $0.99/month for 50GB).
2. Turn OFF/ON Cellular/Wi-Fi
It’s worth pointing out that iCloud syncing requires a strong and stable internet connection. Hence, make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection. If your network is poor, you can fix it by just turning off/on the cellular or Wi-Fi network.
- Head over to the Settings app -> Cellular/Wi-Fi. After that, turn off the toggle for the Cellular/Wi-Fi.
- Next, wait for a few seconds and then turn on the toggle.
3. Disable Low Power Mode
When enabled, the Low Power Mode temporarily reduces background activity like downloads, mail fetch, iCloud syncing, and more until you can fully charge your device. So, if you have activated this power-saving mode on your iPhone, be sure to turn it off.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone -> Battery -> turn off the toggle for Low Power Mode.
4. Turn OFF Low Data Mode for Cellular and Wi-Fi
Modern versions of iOS allow you to reduce cellular and Wi-Fi usage by pausing the automatic updates and background tasks. While the low data mode is a very helpful feature that enables you to extend your limited bandwidth, at times, it tends to cause the syncing issue. Hence, turn it off.
- Turn OFF Low Data Mode for Cellular: Open the Settings app on your iPhone -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Options and then turn off the toggle for Low Data Mode.
- Turn OFF Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone -> Wi-Fi -> tap on the “i” button next to the Wi-Fi network -> turn off the switch for Low Data Mode.
Note:
- If your internet connection continues to be sluggish, try resetting the network settings (Settings app -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings). Additionally, you should also reboot your Wi-Fi router to fix the issue.
5. Disable VPN
Believe it or not, VPN (virtual private network) apps often tend to trigger the syncing issue due to their nature of being extra vigilant. So, if you are using a VPN service on your device, disable it.
- Navigate to the Settings app -> VPN and then turn it off.
6. Make Sure iCloud is Not Facing any Outages
Another important thing that you should do without fail is to ensure that iCloud is not facing any outages.
Go to Apple’s system status web page to check if iCloud is working as usual. If you see a green circle next to iCloud, everything is fine. However, if a green circle appears next to iCloud, that means it’s going through an outage. In this situation, you can’t do anything but wait until Apple has resolved the issue.
7. Disable/Enable iCloud for Freeform
The very first trick that I would suggest you try is to disable/enable the iCloud for Freeform app. Since it has resolved the issue, I’m counting on it to work for you as well.
- Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Apple ID banner -> iCloud -> Show All -> Turn off the toggle for Freeform.
- Now, you will be prompted to delete the existing local Freeform. Tap on Delete from iPhone/iPad.
- After that, restart your device. Once your device has rebooted, go back to the same iCloud setting and then turn on Freeform. If prompted, make sure to merge the existing local Freeform.
8. Hard Reset Your Device
Another simple but effective solution that I would suggest you try is to hard reset your device.
- To do so, press and quickly release the volume up button. Then, press and quickly release the volume down button.
- After that, hold down the side/top button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
9. Delete and Reinstall Freefrom App
If the issue persists, delete and reinstall the Freeform app. As a fresh install is well-known for fixing many app-related issues, it would be worth giving a try.
- Just touch and hold the Freeform app icon -> Remove App -> Delete App and confirm. Then, open the App Store -> search for Freeform, and install it.
10. Update Software Update
Should the problem persist, a software bug could be preventing Freeform from syncing with iCloud. Hence, try updating the software update.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> General -> Software Update. After that, download and install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
11. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In
If nothing has worked in fixing the Freeform app syncing issue, sign out of Apple ID and sign back in.
- Head over to the Settings app -> Apple ID banner -> Sign Out. After that, make sure to keep a copy of all the important data to prevent data loss before signing out. Then, sign in to your account.
Fixed Freeform App Not Syncing with iCloud Issue
So, that concludes this troubleshooting guide about fixing the Freeform app not syncing with iCloud. I hope you have gotten the better of the issue. Would you like to let us know the tip that has worked for you in resolving the problem?
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The very first thing I suggest you try…. Oh wait, let me put that as step 7.
🙂
This worked for me, thank you!
Most welcome! Glad that it worked for you.