Fix Network Errors in Apple Intelligence's Photos Clean Up Feature

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If you’re experiencing the frustrating “Network Error. Clean Up could not be downloaded at this time. Please try again later.” message while using Apple Photos, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue and it can be particularly annoying when you need to use the Clean Up feature right away.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you troubleshoot the problem and improve the reliability of Clean Up in Apple Photos.

Check Your Internet Connection

Even if you think your network is fine, it’s worth double-checking. Here’s how to do it:

Restart Your Router: Unplug your router, wait for about 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This can often resolve minor connectivity issues.

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Switch Wi-Fi Networks: If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to a different network if possible or switch to cellular data on your device to see if that helps.
Speed Test: Run a speed test using a tool like Speedtest. A slow connection could be causing the issue, even if it seems to work for browsing.

Update Your Software

Keeping your software updated can resolve bugs and improve performance.

Check for Updates: Go to the App Store on your device and click on the Updates tab. If Apple Photos has an update available, install it.
Restart Your Device: Sometimes all it takes is a simple restart to kick things back into gear.

Clear Cache and Data

Clearing the cache or data from the Photos app can also help eliminate issues.

Clear Cache: Go to Settings > Photos. Toggle off “Optimize Storage” and then toggle it back on. This action may force the app to refresh its data.

Use Cellular Data for Clean Up

If you are still having trouble, try using cellular data specifically for the Clean Up feature.

Go to Settings: Tap on Cellular.
Allow Photos Access: Scroll down to Photos and make sure Cellular Data is enabled. Now, try using Clean Up again.

Take Advantage of Downtime

If Clean Up is still not working reliably, you may want to try using it during off-peak hours. Late nights or early mornings might see less demand on Apple’s servers, resulting in quicker access to the Clean Up function.

Contact Support

If you’ve gone through these steps and the issue persists, it might be time to reach out to Apple Support. They can provide more specialized assistance and may be aware of ongoing issues with the service.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the network error with the Clean Up feature in Apple Photos. A little troubleshooting can go a long way in getting the functionality you need, so don’t let this small hiccup stop you from enjoying your photos!