Can't see files stored on iCloud in Finder

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Level 1

4 points

Can't see files stored on iCloud in Finder

There are files, that I know I had stored on my hard drive, that don't show up on Finder when I navigate to the folder. If I search on Spotlight by file name, the file does show up on the results (but then I have to go to "Show in enclosing folder" and only then do I see the file, though it appears greyed out).

Is there *any* way to see all the files in the folders that were originally stored in?!?!

PS: I don't think this matters but the same iCloud account is synced on two computers (so I can work on the same files at home and in my office)

Posted on Sep 9, 2024 2:17 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 11, 2024 8:04 AM in response to 5alinas

5alinas wrote: ... If I search on Spotlight by file name, the file does show up on the results (but then I have to go to "Show in enclosing folder" and only then do I see the file, though it appears greyed out).

I'm not sure I'm following this. What happens if you do a Finder search for this file, rather than using Spotlight?

The path to the file is shown at the bottom for a selected file. Can navigate to that folder? Is it in iCloud or some other unexpected place?

If you open two folders and drag a file from one to the other, then the file ceases to exist in the original folder and then lives in the folder you dragged it to, instead. iCloud Drive is simply a folder on your Mac, and when you drag a file there, it no longer exist in the folder you moved it from.

Do you have "Optimize Storage" turned on in System Settings>Apple ID>iCloud?

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Answer 2

5alinas Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2024 1:42 PM in response to Richard.Taylor

Richard.Taylor wrote:

I'm not sure I'm following this. What happens if you do a Finder search for this file, rather than using Spotlight?

I don't blame you! Thanks for answering.

Ok, if I search for a 'missing' file in either Spotlight or Finder, it shows up.

Now, if I navigate to the folder where Finder tells me it's in, the folder shows up empty.

But if I navigate to the folder on iCloude Drive on my browser, it does show up.

And no, I don't have "Optimize Storage" checked on. Thanks again!

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