New iPhone photos aren't arriving on your Mac
Quick answer
Open Photos, click Library and scroll to the very bottom to read the iCloud status. If it's paused, resume it, then keep the Mac plugged in and online.
Why it happens
iCloud Photos often pauses on its own: when the Mac runs on battery, when it's busy, or when Low Power Mode is on. It also stops when your iCloud storage is full. The photos aren't lost, they just haven't been sent or downloaded yet.
How to fix it
Open Photos and click Library in the sidebar.
Photos›Library
Scroll all the way to the bottom of your photos. A line there says what iCloud is doing, such as updated, uploading or paused.
If it says paused, click Resume next to it.
Plug the Mac in, stay on Wi-Fi and leave Photos open. Overnight is a good test, because syncing works best while you're not using the Mac.
Check the same status line on your iPhone, at the bottom of its Library. If the iPhone hasn't uploaded yet, the Mac has nothing to download.
Still not fixed?
Make sure iCloud Photos is on for this Mac: under your name, iCloud, Photos, Sync this Mac.
Apple Account›iCloud›Photos›Sync this Mac
If the status says iCloud storage is full, see what takes space under your name, iCloud, Manage…, and free some up or choose a bigger plan.
Apple Account›iCloud›Manage…
If you're on a MacBook, turn off Low Power Mode while it syncs.
Battery›Low Power Mode
Check that your iPhone and Mac use the same Apple Account, then restart both.
If nothing new arrives after a full day plugged in and online, contact Apple Support.
Questions people ask
Why are my iPhone photos not showing up on my Mac?
Usually the sync is paused, iCloud storage is full, or the Mac hasn't been online and plugged in long enough. Check the status line at the bottom of Library in Photos.
How do I force iCloud Photos to sync on Mac?
Click Resume in the status line at the bottom of Library if it's paused, then leave the Mac plugged in, on Wi-Fi and with Photos open.
How long does iCloud Photos take to sync?
New photos usually arrive within minutes. A big library can take hours or a few days the first time.
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