“Error Syncing Cloud Storage Data”: The ULTIMATE Guide to Resolve on Windows & macOS

Error syncing cloud storage data can happen with all Origin games that support cloud saves. Did it happen to you? We have the fix.

First, the good news: 

You haven’t lost all of your progress.

The Origin cloud sync problem is simply a communication issue. Your game files are safe and sound, and we will help you access them. Whether you’re running Origin on Windows or macOS, we have a solution. Here is what you’ll learn in this guide – use the table of contents for easy navigation, because this is going to be a long, comprehensive one:

Let’s start with the fast solution – you know if you want to get back to your game ASAP. We get it; that’s why we’re giving you the fix right away:

How to Fix the Origin Cloud Sync Error Quickly?

The “error syncing cloud storage data” on Origin usually has a simple solution, and we’ll run by these first: 

• Check your Internet connection. Origin stores your game files on the cloud, and you access that cloud over the Internet. Make sure your wireless network is working or use a hardwired connection – wired Internet is faster and more consistent anyway. 
• Restart your connection. Go to the Origin menu > Go Offline. Wait two minutes and go back to online status. This reboots your Internet connection, clearing any glitches in communication. 
• Make sure your account is active. Your Electronic Arts account connects you to all EA games and services. To see if it’s functional and connected, log in from the EA website, go to the About Me section to see your Connected Accounts. This shows your platform accounts (e.g., for Playstation), and you’ll get a notification for any issues. 
• Restart the Origin app. If the problem persists, it’s probably your Origin client. Log out, close the app, and open it again. This does two things – reboots the app and loads new updates. 
• Get the latest version of Origin. Origin gets updated automatically, but you won’t get the new version if the app is running when the update is published. Restart, and you’ll run the up-to-date version once again. If this doesn’t work, you can download the latest Origin version on their website. 
• Restart your system and networking equipment. The origin cloud sync error often happens because of “miscommunication” between your devices and Origin. Rebooting your system and equipment like your router or modem will fix this. 
• Check server activity. Servers crash sometimes – go to Down detector or the EA Twitter page to see ongoing issues. 

These easy steps will fix most Origin cloud sync problems. But, if basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix it, it’s time to get more technical. Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in Computer Science to follow along.

We’ll start with some background:

Why “Error Syncing Cloud Storage Data” Happens?

Origin is a gaming platform that centralizes your game library and progress. 

Cloud saves are one of the best features it offers – instead of keeping files on your hard drive, they’re safe and accessible in the cloud. This way, you can access your progress even if your device crashes or you want to play on a different PC.

How do you get information from the cloud? You need Internet access. Your device sends a request to the Origin cloud, the cloud sends your game files, and you’re off to shoot bad guys or play some soccer. 

The Origin “error synching cloud storage data” happens when there is a block somewhere along the line. Common reasons why you can’t communicate with the Origin servers (and get your cloud data) include: 

• Firewall or antivirus blocking – your security apps might be blocking Origin’s access to a particular system or network resources it needs/
• System resource access denied – if some resources are admin-only, Origin won’t use them unless you’re running it in administrator mode. 
• Outdated Windows and system drivers – these can lead to a number of glitches; the Graphics driver is especially important for gaming applications like Origin. 
• Corrupt cache – Origin uses caching for faster load speeds; if some cache files get corrupted, this can disrupt the cloud sync and lead to the error. 
• ISP blocks – your Internet Service Provider (ISP) could be blocking access to some of Origin’s essential servers/
• DNS trouble – conflicting entries and corruption in your DNS cache can confuse Origin, causing the error; it’s also possible that your DNS is having trouble resolving website names (turning them into IPs), which will affect Origin. 
• Corrupted installation – corrupted game installation or a problem with the platform installation could also cause an Origin cloud sync error. 

In the following sections, we’ll give you solutions for each of these problems. Some of these can seem complicated, especially if you’ve never messed around with your computer settings before. 

Don’t worry. We said this wouldn’t be for tech wizzes only, and we’re sticking to that. We’ll walk you through every step, explaining any confusing points. Even your grandma can do it, we pinky promise. 

Repair the Game

Starting out with the fairly obvious: 

The sync error could be an issue with the problematic game – e.g, missing or corrupted game files. There is an easy fix for that. The Origin client has a built-in repair function, which will bring your game files back to health. Here is how to use it: 

• Open Origin > My Game Library. 
• Right-click the game and select Repair Game. 
• Once the process finishes, open the game again to see if the issue is fixed. 

No luck? Let’s move on to the next solution: 

Let Origin Through Your Firewall

Your firewall and antivirus program keep your system safe from pesky viruses. The trouble is, they might also be blocking Origin’s access to critical resources. The simple solution is giving Origin a firewall exception – and this will fix the error syncing cloud storage data: 

• Close Origin. 
• Go to the firewall settings by opening the Start menu and typing “Windows Firewall” in the search bar. 
• Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall on the left-hand menu. 
• Find Origin on the list and check the boxes for both public and private networks. 
• Can’t find Origin? Click Allow another app, and you’ll see it there. Then, simply click Add and activate the firewall exception from the main list. 

Now, run Origin again. If your firewall was the problem, your cloud sync should be able to run normally. 

Warning: 

Some online tutorials advise you to turn off your firewall altogether. While this can help you discover if the issue is there, it also makes your system vulnerable to malware. This is why we don’t recommend disabling your firewall or antivirus – instead, you can just add an Origin exception from the settings. 

Run Origin as Administrator

The Origin app needs system resources to run and sync correctly. If some of these resources are protected by admin privileges, the platform won’t be able to access them, leading to an Origin cloud sync problem. 

Luckily, this one has a straightforward fix. Simply run the Origin client as an administrator. This is how you do it on Windows: 

• Close Origin. You can’t open it as an admin if the app is still running. 
• Open Task Manager to remove Origin processes. 
• Right-click the Origin icon to get the drop-down menu. 
• Click Run as administrator and confirm your choice in the pop-up. 

Now that you have Origin running open the problematic game again. Chances are, the connectivity error is gone. 

Not the case? Don’t worry; we have plenty more options to try: 

Switch Your Network

The Origin Cloud Save and all the other online features go through your network provider. At home, this is your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP processes all your requests, and, unfortunately, they can block them, too. 

ISPs have different reasons to block EA and Origin servers or throttle your connection. In most cases, it’s either to protect their clients or to limit high-bandwidth activities during peak hours. 

Online gaming consumes a lot of bandwidth, which can put a strain on an ISP’s resources. To ensure connectivity for all, your provider might be blocking or limiting an EA server. 

Of course, we won’t stand for this. You’re paying for your Internet service just as much as the next guy. If the company can’t provide the service promised, they should expand and improve their network, not throttle you. But, you might be asking yourself: 

Sure, this is all incredibly unfair and unethical, but what can I do? Switching ISPs isn’t always an option, and even when it is, it’s a major time-suck. Luckily, there is an easier way: 

VPNs to the Rescue

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are smaller, secure networks you can use to access the Internet. When you connect to a VPN, all of your requests get encrypted, hiding them for eavesdroppers, cybercriminals – and, yes, also your ISP. 

A VPN can hide traffic from your ISP. Since the provider can’t see what requests you’re sending out, they can’t block you. 

Is your Origin cloud sync not working frequently? Or, do your games slow down during certain hours? It is probably your ISP playing dirty. Counteract this by getting a VPN, but heed our warning: 

Stay clear of free VPNs. 

I know, I know. You can’t beat a no-cost offer. And, trust me, I am a sucker for good deals. Considering that one in three free VPNs contains malware and over 84% leak data, free VPNs are anything but a solid deal. Plus, since they slow down your traffic, free VPNs are a particularly gamer-unfriendly option, too. 

So, instead of trading your security and sanity for a free offer, try an affordable VPN for gaming like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Cyberghost. 

Update System and Drivers

Out-of-date Windows and system drivers can cause a range of problems, including the Origin “Error Syncing Cloud Storage Data.” The Graphics driver, in particular, can affect gaming applications like Origin. Here is how to update your system to solve a cloud sync problem: 

• From the Start menu, search “Updates.” 
• Click Check for Updates. 
• If your system is up-to-date, the tool will say “You’re up to date,” along with the day and time of the last check. 
• If there are updates available, you’ll see the “Updates are ready to download.” Click the Download button right below.

You can also download the Windows Update Assistant, which will manage your updates for you.  

Once you have installed all updates, restart your computer and open Origin again. The game sync should be running normally again. 

On macOS, follow these steps: 

• Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences.
• Select Software Update.
• Click Update Now or Upgrade Now. 

Now you can restart your system and open the Origin app to see if the cloud sync issue is fixed. 

Delete Temporary Files

Temporary files are exactly what they sound like. Your system only needs them for a short amount of time – for example, a temp file is created while the ‘permanent’ one is being saved. Removing them can speed up your system, improve processes, and, yes, it can fix the Origin cloud sync error, too. 

To delete your temp folder on Windows:

• Close Origin and use Task Manager to kill its processes. Just a reminder, you do that by opening Task Manager from the Start menu, finding the Origin processes, and clicking “End Process.” 
• Click Windows + R to open the Run command box. 
• Type %temp% in the box to access the temp folder. 
• Select all temp files and delete them. 

Now that you’ve cleaned your temporary files, open Origin once again to see if it currently operates normally. 

To clean temp files on macOS:

• Quit all active apps, including Origin. 
• From the Finder, click on Go > Go to Folder. 
• Type in ~/Library/Caches/
• Locate the Origin cache files and select them. 
• Move selected files to trash and empty the trash can. 

Clear Origin Cache

Virtually every application uses cache files to store data for fast access. While this can speed up Origin, if the cache gets corrupted, you can run into multiple connectivity problems. 

Here is how to clear Origin cache to solve issues like the cloud sync problem: 

• Close Origin and use Task Manager to kill its processes. 
• Click Windows + R to open the Run command box. 
• Type %ProgramData% in the box to access the cache folders for all installed programs.
• Find the Origin folder in the list. 
• Locate the LocalContent folder in the Origin files. You SHOULD NOT delete this one. 
• Delete everything else in the Origin cache (EXCEPT the LocalContent folder.)
• Open the Run command box again (Windows+R) and type %AppData%. Press Enter to open the Roaming folder. 
• From the address bar, click AppData. 
• In AppData, find Local > Origin and delete the entire folder. 
• Restart your computer and launch Origin to see if the problem is fixed. 

Clean the DNS Cache

Your DNS cache is a temporary record of your recent website visits and visit attempts. It’s a great way to speed up Internet access, and here’s why: 

DNS Caching Explained

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an index of all public websites and their corresponding IP addresses. This way, you don’t have to memorize strings of numbers; you just type the website name into your browser. Now, your browser sends the request to your router, which goes to the DNS server to ask for that website’s specific IP. 

But what if it didn’t have to? 

The DNS cache is a list of your recently visited websites and IPs – this way, your request doesn’t have to go through the whole process. Your cache already has the IP memorized; it can just pull it up and get you going. 

How the DNS Cache Affects Origin

You play very often, and your DNS cache has the Origin IPs. But what happens if that record is broken? Some entries are no longer correct (so the IP isn’t what it should be), or the file is corrupted in another way. 

You can’t get the correct IP, and you can’t communicate with the Origin server, leading to the Origin cloud sync error. 

The easy solution is flushing the DNS cache, which will force your system to look up the correct IP addresses. Here is how you do that: 

• Close Origin and kill its processes with Task Manager. 
• Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar of the Start menu. 
• Right-click and Run as Administrator to use the command prompt app. 
• Type these commands – each one goes on a new line, and you press Enter after:

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

• Restart your computer and run Origin again.

At first, the app might be slower since the DNS cache isn’t helping the loading process. But, your error syncing cloud storage data is also probably gone. 

To flush your DNS cache on macOS, all you need is a simple command:

• Click Command+Space and search for Terminal. 
• Once you open Terminal, type in sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. 
• Enter your admin password. 
• Click Enter, and the command will run a DNS cache flush. 

Change Your DNS

Your Origin cloud sync problem might be DNS-related through the DNS server itself. Here’s the thing: 

At home, your ISP provides a DNS server to “match” websites and IP addresses. What happens if that server is faulty? You guessed it, you get communication issues, cloud sync errors, and generally a clunky browsing experience. 

ISP servers are often slow or improperly configured, which is why switching your DNS will not only help with the Origin error but also speed up your surfing. 

For this tutorial, we’ll be changing the local DNS on one device only. 

You can also change the DNS for your home router, which will affect all connected devices. However, the step-by-step for switching the router DNS will depend on the router, and we can’t exactly give you a tutorial for all routers under the sun. 

Fortunately, simply switching your local DNS will also help with the cloud sync error. Here is how to do it on Windows 10: 

• Press the Windows button.
• Click Settings >Network & Internet > Change adapter options.
• Right-click on Wi-Fi and pick Properties from the menu.
• Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties.
• Click Use the following DNS server addresses,
• Enter 8.8.8.8 in the first field and 8.8.4.4 in the second one. This is Google’s Public DNS, which is secure and optimized for speed. 
• Click OK to confirm. 

If you have the Internet Protocol Version 6 option, repeat the process there as well.

What about the macOS tutorial? Here is how to do it:  

• Go to the Apple menu > Preferences.
• Start the Network app.
• Highlight Wi-Fi connection and select Advanced.
• Open the DNS tab.
• Add the 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.8.4 addresses to IPv4 and IPv6 using the plus-sign button.
• Remove the old addresses with the minus-sign button. 

Ta-da! 

Now you’re using a better, faster DNS server and your pesky “Error Syncing Cloud Storage Data” is most probably gone. 

Reset the Hosts File to Default

It’s getting technical, but don’t worry, we’re here to hold your hand through every step. First, let’s talk about the hosts file: 

The hosts file is a local document that associates website names with IP addresses. It overrides the DNS system, which means you can use it to block websites altogether – simply go to the hosts file and link the domain to an unused or internal IP. 

If Origin-related entries in the hosts file are incorrect, this will cause a cloud syncing error. You wouldn’t fix this by changing the DNS server or flushing cache since the hosts file overrides these features. But, resetting the hosts file to default will do the trick. 

Here is how to do it on Windows 10: 

• From the Start menu > type “Notepad” > right-click on the application. 
• Select Run as administrator.
• Go to File > Open. 
• Type %WinDir%\System32\Drivers\Etc and press OK. 
• Now find the file type drop-down (right next to File name in the pop-up) and change it to All Files.
• Open the hosts file and delete its contents. 
• Paste the following text (this is the Windows default) into your hosts file:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.#

# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.

#

# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to hostnames. Each

# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should

# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.

# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one

# space.

#

# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual

# lines or following the machine name denoted by a ‘#’ symbol.

#

# For example:

#

#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server

#       38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.

#       127.0.0.1       localhost

#       ::1             localhost

• Save the changes and exit Notepad. 
• Launch Origin again. 

And what if Origin failed to synchronize cloud saves on your macOS computer? Here is how to reset the hosts file there: 

• Select Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
• Type /private/etc/hosts into the field and click Go. 
• Find the Hosts file and drag it to your desktop.
• Open the file and delete its content. 

The text you have to paste for mac computers is: 

##

# Host Database

#

# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface

# when the system is booting.  Do not change this entry.

##

127.0.0.1   localhost

255.255.255.255 broadcasthost

::1             localhost

Now that you’ve entered the default text click Save. 

• Drag the hosts file back to the same folder. 
• Your computer will ask whether you want to replace the file – click Replace. 
• Enter your Administrative password (the main user’s pass) to confirm.

Finally, restart your computer to revert back to the original hosts file. 

Clean Boot Your System

Different programs on your device might conflict with the Origin app. This can cause a range of issues – Origins won’t open, you get a cloud sync error, games don’t load correctly, etc.  

Clean booting means starting your computer with the default programs only. In a clean boot, you won’t get additional apps running in the background. You can then open your Origin client without third-party programs messing up performance. 

To clean boot on Windows: 

• Press Windows + R to open the run dialog. 
• Type msconfig and press OK to open the System Configuration window. 
• Go to the Services tab. 
• Check the Hide all Microsoft services box. 
• You’ll get a list of non-Microsoft services only. Select Disable All and then click OK. 
• When asked to restart, select Restart later. 
• Open up the System Configuration window again (Windows+R, then type msconfig.)
• Choose the Start up tab. 
• Select Open Task Manager and look at the Start-Up Impact field. This shows services with high and low impact. 
• Right-click on High Impact services and choose Disable.  
• Click OK to confirm and restart your computer. 

After the boot, open your Origin client, and it should run without any software conflict. 

Here is how to do a clean boot on a macOS computer: 

• Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups. 
• Find the lock icon that says “Click the lock to make changes” and toggle it on. 
• Choose Login Options and make sure Automatic Login is off. 
• Shut down your computer. 
• Turn it back on and press the Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously. 
• You should hear the boot sound. 
• Now, you’ll get to the login screen.
• Enter your password, hold the Shift key, and then click Enter. This logs you in without starting add-on software. 

Once you’re logged in, open your client, and the Origin cloud sync should work normally again. 

Reinstall Origin + the Problematic Game

Finally, your syncing error could be because of a corrupted installation of either the Origin client or the game. Let’s say you’re getting an error syncing cloud storage data on Apex Legends. Here is how to reinstall the problematic game: 

• Open Origin > My Game Library. 
• Find the game icon – in this case, Apex Legends. 
• Right-click and choose Uninstall on the menu. 
• Follow the steps to uninstall, then turn off Origin and restart your computer. 
• Turn Origin back on and reinstall the game. 

Is the sync error gone now? If not, here is how to reinstall Origin: 

• From the Start menu choose the Control panel. 
• Go to Programs > Uninstall a Program. 
• Find the Origin client and right-click on the icon. 
• Select Uninstall and follow the steps. 
• Restart your system. 
• Go to the Origin website to download the latest version. 
• Launch the download and follow the steps to install. 
• Now, install your game again, and the cloud sync should run again. 

Since the Origin cloud sync uses cloud storage for your game data, you will get your files (and game progress) even after reinstalling. 

I Am STILL Getting the Error… What Now? 

If you followed along with this tutorial, chances are your error is now fixed. In some rare cases, though, there is a more significant issue with your Origin client which can’t be resolved with simple troubleshooting. Here are your options: 

Report to Tech Support

If your EA profile is corrupted, Origin sync trouble is common. Get in touch with the client support team by going to Help > Origin Error Reporter from your account. Describe the situation in detail and ask them to check your profile. Thankfully, the EA technicians are competent and fast, so they should be able to fix it for you. 

Use Restore Save

The Restore Save overwrites your save with local backup. This effectively deletes the cloud-backed save, so only use it if the Origin cloud sync not working won’t affect your progress. 

To use the restore save: 

• Go to Origin > My Game Library. 
• Right-click on the problematic game and select Game Properties. 
• Open the Cloud Saves tab and select Restore Save. 
• Confirm in the pop-up window and proceed with your local save. 

Final Thoughts

The “Error Syncing Cloud Storage Data” is one of the Origins bugs that gives gamers the most anxiety. Luckily, it also has many solutions, and following along with this guide should help you resolve it for good. Thank you for reading, and good luck on all of your gaming adventures!

FAQs

Here are the answers to your most common Origin cloud sync questions: