Top 11 Ways to Fix iCloud Link Not Working

How to do when iCloud link doesn’t work? There are 11 ways listed for you to solve the problem. You can also get a handy iCloud data manager to manage and sync the iCloud data efficiently.

By @Kathy Last Updated December 13, 2023

Why is iCloud link not working?

iCloud photo links are convenient for sharing pictures, but there might be instances where these links fail to work or load properly. This issue is often due to temporary system glitches.

 The iCloud link for photos expires or access is disabled by the sender.
 Your iOS device is in Low Power Mode.
 Unstable internet connections photo-sharing settings on your device are turned off.
 An outdated iOS version is running on your device.

How to fix iCloud link not working

When you find your iCloud photos sharing not working, keep on reading to find solutions.

Solution 1. Check your iCloud sharing settings

Verify if your iCloud Photos Library and Shared Albums options are activated to ensure the iCloud link functions properly.

Open Settings on your device > Tap on your name at the top and choose iCloud >  Enable Shared Albums and iCloud Photos by toggling the switches.

Solution 2. Force restart your iPhone/iPad

Force restarting your iPhone/iPad may cut some ice.

For iPhone 8 Plus/8/X or later: Press and release the Volume Up button > Press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 7 Plus or 7: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on your screen.

For iPhone 6 or earlier: Press and hold the Home button and Sleep/Wake button at the same time until the Apple logo is displayed on your screen.

For iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and then release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Hold down the Power button until the Apple logo becomes visible.

For iPad with the Home button: Simultaneously press and hold the Power and Home buttons > Release both buttons when the Apple logo shows on your iPad screen.

Solution 3. Check iCloud Server Status

Since iCloud relies on Apple's servers, occasional downtimes or issues may affect its functionality. Just go to the Apple System Status page to verify the status of the iCloud server to rule out server-related problems.

Solution 4. Validate iCloud link

iCloud links expire after 30 days. If photos shared via an iCloud link are inaccessible, confirm whether the sender updated the link's expiration date, revoked access, or if the link has expired, rendering it invalid.

Solution 5. Re-logging into your Apple ID

If the iCloud link isn't functioning, sign back into your Apple account as this might solve the issue. 

Note: This method may also work for fixing the iCloud photos not showing on iPhone issue.

Solution 6. Turning off low power mode

Low Power Mode can decrease iCloud upload speed. To deactivate it: Open the Settings app > Go to the Battery section > Turn off Low Power Mode.

Solution 7. Check network connection

A weak or unstable network connection may cause the iCloud link not working issue. You can try to connect to a more stable network to check if the issue has been solved. If you are using cellular data, it’s better to switch to a Wi-Fi network.

Solution 8. Reset network settings

Resetting network settings might help with iCloud photos link not working issue.

You can open the Settings app > Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Choose Reset and then select Reset Network Settings to proceed with the reset.

Solution 9. Update iOS system

Updating your iOS device can often solve the issue. Just open the Settings app > Tap on General > Select Software Update > If an update is available, tap Download and Install to finish the process.

Solution 10. Recreate an iCloud link

If all ways above don’t work, you may need to regenerate an iCloud link or ask the sender to accomplish the action.

Solution 11. Contact Apple Support

If you can’t solve the problem efficiently, then you may need to contact Apple Support to help you troubleshoot.

Bonus: How to manage and sync iCloud efficiently

When it comes to managing and syncing iCloud data, FoneTool will be your best helper to make it.

Its powerful feature allows you to easily speed up iCloud data upload/download process including photos, contacts, notes, videos and iCloud Drive.

For users who have multiple Apple IDs, FoneTool can help you easily move iCloud data from one account to another.

Now you can download it on your Windows PC to learn how to manage and sync iCloud data.

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Part 1. Upload/download/delete iCloud data in a few clicks

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

Step 2. Click each icon to access the data you need to manage > Choose your targeted data > Click Upload, Download or Delete to finish the process.

 How long does it take to upload photos to iCloud?

If you use iCloud’s web, it may take 6-8 hours to upload 1000 photos to iCloud. If you use FoneTool to finish the process, 1000 photos can be uploaded within 40 minutes.

Part 2. Sync iCloud data as you like

Step 1. Launch FoneTool > Go to My iCloud > Log in with your source iCloud account > Choose iCloud Sync to continue.

Step 2. Sign in to your target Apple ID > Choose data you need to copy > Click Start Sync to make it.

Conclusion

From this passage, you can know how to fix the iCloud link not working issue. If you don’t know why do iCloud link never work, 11 ways are listed here to help you. To efficiently manage and sync iCloud data on PC, FoneTool will be an ideal choice.