Lightroom Classic Sync Issues

[James154A]

I have scoured all the threads on Sync issues and none of the suggested soltions have worked.  Here is some context.

• My Macbook is old and will not update past MacOS Monterey 12.7.6 
• I have over a TB of unused HD space.
• Updates in my creative cloud for LR Classic and LR are showing as 'Not Compatible' due to my OS 
• I am using Lightroom Classic V 14.2 and Lightroom V 8.2
• My workflow is iphone sync to the moble app, whichs syncs to Lightroom, which syncs to LR Classic.  I've been doing this flawlessly for years.
• The sync to mobile from iphone works.  the synce for LR Mobile to Lightroom works.  
• I had a period of several months recently where I was not keeping up with the sync and the photo/video sync volume grew to over 700.
• Sync stops in LR-C at a random number.
  • Rebuild Sync Data does not work (but can change the number at which it stalls)
  • Delete All Sync Data does not work, meaning the feature doesn't work.  The popup link is dead.
  • In my Lightroom Sync folder in LR Classic, it will create a sub-folder and create an info.lua file but no photos are added.
  • In the Sync Settings in LR-C I see three files types.
    • Downloading Develop Settings (several files)
    • Downloading Asset (hundreds of files)
    • Uploading Image (several files)

I have am hopeful the solution is not a new MacBook.  

[dj_paige]

Please clarify ... according to this document LrC 14.1 and later does not work (and probably can't be installed) unless you have MAC OS 13.1 or later, but you have an earlier operating system. How can this be?

[James154A]

I see the guidelines, but I have Monterey  12.7.6.  Everything is working in LR-C except for the sync.  See screenshots, in case that is helpful for verification. 

[Claire H.]

Hi @James154A, It can be frustrating when things aren't working as expected, especially when you've been using the same workflow for years. Since your MacBook cannot update past MacOS Monterey 12.7.6, this limits the compatibility with newer versions of the software, which is probably causing the sync issues you're experiencing. Adobe's system requirements recommend using macOS Ventura (version 13.1) or later to ensure the full functionality of the apps. Here are a few suggestions that might help:

1. Check for any available updates: Ensure that your current MacOS and all your apps are updated to the latest versions that are compatible with your system. Sometimes, even minor updates can resolve compatibility issues.

2. Optimize your current setup: Since you have over a TB of unused HD space, ensure your system runs efficiently. Clear any unnecessary files and ensure your MacBook has enough resources to handle the sync process.

3. Consider alternative workflows: If updating your MacBook is not an option, you should explore alternative workflows that do not rely on the latest software updates. For example, you could manually transfer photos and videos from your iPhone to your MacBook and then import them into Lightroom Classic.

4. Upgrade your hardware: While I understand that you are hopeful the solution is not a new MacBook, upgrading to a newer model that supports the latest MacOS versions would ensure full app functionality and a smoother workflow. This would also future-proof your setup for any upcoming updates and features.

Unfortunately, tech does get old pretty fast nowadays! I hope these suggestions help you find a solution to your sync issues. Thanks! ^CH

[JohanElzenga · Accepted solution]

I see the guidelines, but I have Monterey  12.7.6.  Everything is working in LR-C except for the sync.  See screenshots, in case that is helpful for verification. 

By @James154A

Your first screenshot shows that you do not have Lightroom Classic 14.2 (despite of what you claim in your initial post), because that version is not compatible with MacOS Monterey. Adobe changed the sync engine, so the version of Lightroom Classic  that you do run most likely cannot sync because it's too old. There is no workaround for this.