What is cloudd?
cloudd handles iCloud syncing for apps that store data in iCloud, both Apple's apps (like Photos, Notes and Messages) and many third-party apps. It uploads your changes, downloads changes from your other devices and keeps everything in step.
Most of the time it's quiet. When a large amount of data needs to move, it can use a noticeable amount of CPU and network for a while.
Why is cloudd using so much CPU?
- Setting up a new Mac or signing in to iCloud, when everything downloads at once.
- Turning on iCloud Photos or Messages in iCloud with a large library.
- A big change on another device, such as importing many photos on your iPhone.
- A sync that's stuck retrying, often because iCloud storage is full.
How to fix high cloudd CPU usage
- Confirm it in Activity Monitor. Press ⌘ Space, type Activity Monitor, open the CPU tab and sort by % CPU. Watch
clouddfor a minute: short spikes are normal, only steady high usage needs fixing. - Let the sync finish on a good network connection, plugged in.
- Check your iCloud storage in System Settings › your name › iCloud. A full account makes syncs retry endlessly.
- Pause Photos syncing temporarily if you need the speed now: in Photos, choose Photos › Settings › iCloud.
- Restart if it stays busy with nothing syncing.
More help: Why is my Mac's battery draining fast?