How to Verify iCloud Drive Sync Status on macOS

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open the Finder sidebar

   Click the Finder icon in your Dock to open a new window. Locate the iCloud section in the sidebar and click on iCloud Drive to view your synced folders.

   Note: Command + Option + Space
2. 1 min

   Enable the Status bar

   If you do not see sync progress at the bottom of the window, navigate to the top menu bar and select View > Show Status Bar. This toggle displays the number of remaining items and the upload progress status.

   Note: The status bar only appears when there are pending file operations.
3. 1 min

   Check individual file icons

   Locate the cloud icon next to specific files or folders. An empty cloud icon with a downward arrow indicates the file is stored in iCloud but not downloaded; a file with no icon indicates it is fully synced and stored locally.

   Note: Right-click a file and select Download Now to force a local sync.
4. 1 min

   Monitor the bird process

   Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities. Navigate to the Network tab and search for the 'bird' process, which manages iCloud background synchronization. High data activity confirms that files are actively transferring.

   Note: Do not quit the bird process manually, as this will interrupt synchronization.
5. 30 sec

   Verify via System Settings

   Navigate to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive. Ensure the toggle is set to On and check the 'Apps syncing to iCloud Drive' list to confirm individual application data is enabled for sync.