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iCloud Shared Albums option missing

I am running iPadOS 14.4.2 and in my iCloud options, under Photos, there is no option to use Shared Albums, see attached. My partner is running iPadOS 14.4.2 and does see the setting.


Anyone else experienced this?


What I should see:



What I actually see:



The Settings menu doesn't show the option either:


iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi

Posted on Mar 27, 2021 3:31 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 28, 2021 3:30 PM

Thanks for the steps @green500 but the menu to turn Shared Albums just didn't exist for me to turn on, even after a restart. After speaking to an Apple Specialist earlier today, he gave me some advice to reset the iPad.


Here's the interesting thing, resetting then restoring from the most recent iCloud backup brought the issue back. Only by resetting the device and setting it up from scratch did the issue resolve itself. Cue an afternoon or downloading all my apps again and arranging my home screens but at least I have Shared Albums back now!


For anyone experiencing the same issue, reset and start fresh. That's the only way this was solved.


Happy to help out!

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 28, 2021 3:30 PM in response to green500

Thanks for the steps @green500 but the menu to turn Shared Albums just didn't exist for me to turn on, even after a restart. After speaking to an Apple Specialist earlier today, he gave me some advice to reset the iPad.


Here's the interesting thing, resetting then restoring from the most recent iCloud backup brought the issue back. Only by resetting the device and setting it up from scratch did the issue resolve itself. Cue an afternoon or downloading all my apps again and arranging my home screens but at least I have Shared Albums back now!


For anyone experiencing the same issue, reset and start fresh. That's the only way this was solved.


Happy to help out!

Mar 28, 2021 3:25 PM in response to davehamshaw

Hello davehamshaw.


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that Shared Albums aren’t showing as an option for iCloud Photos. We’re happy to help.


Please use the steps here to restart your iPad: Restart your iPad - Apple Support


Please follow the steps in the section titled “Turn on Shared Albums” here: How to share albums in Photos on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac - Apple Support 


We also recommend the steps here: If Shared Albums aren't working - Apple Support


Let us know if you have further questions.


Take care.

iCloud Shared Albums option missing

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