Fix blurry photos in the Photos app on your Mac
Quick answer
In Photos, choose Photos > Settings…, click iCloud and select Download Originals to this Mac. This option shows only when iCloud Photos is on, and your Mac needs room for the whole library.
Why it happens
With Optimize Mac Storage selected, your Mac keeps small preview versions of your photos and leaves the full-size originals in iCloud. When you open a photo, Photos downloads the original first, so it looks soft for a moment or takes a while on a slow connection. Download Originals keeps every full-size photo on your Mac, so they open straight away, even offline.
How to fix it
Open Photos, then choose Photos > Settings… from the menu bar and click iCloud.
Select Download Originals to this Mac.
Photos›Settings…›iCloud›Download Originals to this Mac
Leave Photos open with your Mac plugged in and online. A big library can take hours or even days to download.
When it's finished, photos open sharp straight away, with or without internet.
Still not fixed?
Don't see Download Originals? Turn on iCloud Photos first. Open Apple Account > iCloud > Photos and switch on Sync this Mac.
Apple Account›iCloud›Photos›Sync this Mac
Not enough space? Download Originals needs room for your whole library. Check Storage. If it won't fit, keep Optimize Mac Storage and give each photo a moment to sharpen when you open it.
General›Storage
Downloading seems to stop? Turn off Low Power Mode if it's on, keep your Mac awake, and leave Photos open for longer.
If photos stay blurry after the download finishes, or Photos keeps showing a sync error after a restart, contact Apple Support. First check the photos open fine on iCloud.com, which tells you the originals are stored safely.
Questions people ask
Why do my photos look blurry on my Mac until I click them?
Optimize Mac Storage keeps small versions on your Mac and the full-size ones in iCloud. Choose Download Originals to this Mac in Photos settings to keep full-size copies.
Can I switch back to Optimize Mac Storage later?
Yes. Select Optimize Mac Storage in the same iCloud settings in Photos, and your Mac frees up space when it needs it.
Related fixes
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Press ⌃ ⌥ Space and type “photos blurry on mac until i click”. PinSet opens Photos and rings Download Originals to this Mac. One of 2,400+ checked Mac fixes. Works offline.
7 fixes free · Works offline · macOS 26 and 27