Apple Freeform App Not Syncing With iCloud (Fixed)

Last Updated on Dec 28, 2022

Are you missing the whiteboard, or Boards updates because Freeform App is not syncing between Mac, iPad, and iPhone? Here’s what you do to fix it.

Even though it’s apple’s enrolled application, the app seems to be stuck with many issues. Starting with Freeform Not Working, and after that, another annoying problem haunting many Apple users is Freeform whiteboard stops syncing with iCloud even when sign-in with same Apple ID on Apple devices.  

If you have encountered the same problem, fret not. Follow this troubleshooting guide. 

Freeform App Not Syncing Between Mac, iPad & iPhone

Here in this guide, we will inform you some of the practical solutions to fix Freeform App not syncing on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Go through each troubleshooting and fix the issue. 

Solution #1. Check If You Enable iCloud Service For Freeform

Freeform not syncing from Mac to iPad; verify the application is allowed under iCloud services on the corresponding device. To check it, follow the steps below. 

iPhone And iPad: Navigate to Settings > Apple ID at the top > iCloud > Show All to expand the list. Scroll down and enable the toggle next to Freeform. 

Mac: Select Apple Logo > System Settings… > Apple ID > iCloud. Enable the toggle next to the Freeform. 

If the toggle next to the Freeform is disabled under the iCloud on any device, Freeform will not sync at all. 

Solution #2. Check If You Have Use Same Apple ID Across Devices

The Freeform is one stop solution to let you sketch, draw, and jot down ideas with precision. Moreover, it allows us to enable iCloud syncing and collaborate with projects. But this is only possible when you are log in with the same Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. 

Otherwise, Freeform not syncing across devices is a never-ending dilemma. At this point, first, ensure that you have signed out & Sign-In with the same Apple ID.

Solution #3. Can’t Sync Freeform App With iCloud? Check If Freeform Is Down Today

A freeform not syncing iCloud problem due to outrage on Freeform’s end. This is exceptional ever since the Apple Freeform has a reliable server, but the only way to fix wait for a while.

Simply head to Freeform Server Status Checker and make sure there is no red-alert signal. If it’s red, you won’t be able to do anything; instead, wait a while and let the issue gets fixed on its own. 

Solution #4. Is iCloud Down Today?

Visit the official Apple Server Status Page and ensure iCloud isn’t facing any outrage or service disruption. If there is an outrage, you will face freeform not syncing between iPad and iPhone issue.  However, in this case you have to wait until the issue gets fixed on its own. 

Solution #5. Re-Enable iCloud Service For Freeform

However, this isn’t an effective solution for Freeform not syncing between devices. But in case, the minor bug in-between between Freeform and iCloud could get fixed. Considering this is a probable reason for the issue. You should disable and enable iCloud Services.

iPhone And iPad: Navigate to Settings > Apple ID at the top > iCloud > Show All to expand the list. Scroll down and enable the toggle next to Freeform. 

Mac: Select Apple Logo > System Settings… > Apple ID > iCloud. Enable the toggle next to the Freeform. 

Once you disable it, wait for a moment and re-enable the Freeform.  

Solution #6. Force Quit Freeform App

One of the most underrated solutions that can fix Freeform not working or very slowly syncing across devices bug is force quitting. So let give try to this workaround. 

Force Quit App On iPhone,

1. From the main screen, scroll up from the bottom of screen and hold in the middle. 
2. Swipe either on left or right side to search Freeform app.
3. Swipe upside on the app’s preview to force quit. 

Force Quit App On iPad,

1. From the main screen, scroll up from the bottom screen and hold in between. All the apps running will appear there.
2. Swipe horizontally to find Freeform. Lastly, scroll up to Freeform app to force quit. 

Force Quit App On Mac,

1. Select Apple Menu from the top left corner.
2. Choose Force Quit…
3. From the Force Quit menu, select Freeform and lastly, select Force Quit.

After force quitting the application, restart the Apple Peripherals and then check if it’s syncing or not. 

Solution #7. Hard Reset iPhone, iPad, Mac

You might be surprised how effective this troubleshooting; restarting either iPhone, iPad, or Mac can fix Freeform not syncing from Mac to iPhone or iPad. To restart your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, follow the steps. 

Restart iPhone,

1. Press either Volume Button and simultaneously press the Side Button. 
2. Now drag the Power Off Slider to turn it off. Hold for Side Key to turn iPhone once again. 

Restart iPad,

1. Press and hold either Volume Key and the top button until the Power Off Menu appears.
2. Drag the Power Off Slider, to turn it off.
3. After 30-40 Seconds, press the Top Button and enable iPad.

Restart Mac,

1. Go to Apple Menu at top left corner. 
2. Select Restart… wait until the restart procedure gets to finish.

Solution #8. Update Software

An outdated software version can always be the reason for various issues, including Freeform sync with collaborators issues. At this point, it’s time to check version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. If it’s not updated to latest version, immediately update it, and your issue will get fixed.

Solution #9. Contact Apple Support

Since we tried all the possible solutions to fix the new app, Freeform only syncs one way. But haven’t yet get rid of it, you must Contact Apple Support. As of now, there is no way left. 

Bottom Line

Many iPhone, iPad, or Mac owners uses Freeform to collaborate with friends and family member to work and share ideas on same project. I hope any of the mention above solutions might fix Freeform not syncing on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Let us know which one works for you in the comment box below.