Mac OS · macOS
Stop syncing iCloud Photos on one Mac
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Download originals first, then open Photos settings on the Mac and turn off iCloud Photos or deselect Sync this Mac.
Check iCloud Photos on this Mac before changing anything
Identify the exact device, app, account, error, and affected feature for iCloud Photos on this Mac. Keep the current result visible or record it first, so the page's later actions can be tested against one clear starting point.
Choose the correct path
Download and open required originals before disabling synchronization or signing out; turning off sync is not a backup and can remove optimized placeholders.
Download originals first
In Photos, open Settings > iCloud and choose Download Originals to this Mac. Wait for the download to finish and verify important items before continuing.
Open Photos iCloud settings
In Photos, choose Photos > Settings, then select iCloud.
Stop syncing this Mac
Deselect iCloud Photos or Sync this Mac. Follow the prompt about locally stored items.
Check the result
Confirm new edits no longer sync to this Mac and that required local originals remain available.
Verify the result for iCloud Photos on this Mac
The Mac retains and opens the intended full-resolution files after sync is disabled while another device still shows the expected iCloud library. Repeat the original task once after reopening the relevant app or settings page, so a temporary screen refresh is not mistaken for a completed result.
Narrow down problems with iCloud Photos on this Mac
If downloads remain pending, storage is insufficient, shared-library ownership is unclear, or photos disappear before a verified local copy exists, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, device or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If iCloud Photos on this Mac is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
- If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.