iOS app will not upload over ethernet if "upload over cellular" is disabled

[Sciencentistguy]

I have searched the existing issues, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate report.

• Yes

The bug

As title, the app appears to be treating the ethernet in my usb-c dock as a cellular connection for the purposes of uploading

The OS that Immich Server is running on

Debian

Version of Immich Server

2.5.6

Version of Immich Mobile App

2.5.6

Platform with the issue

• Server
• Web
• Mobile

Device make and model

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Your docker-compose.yml content

- running in systemd -

Your .env content

- running in systemd -

Reproduction steps

1. Plug iPhone into usb-c ethernet adaptor and enable airplane mode
2. Disable uploading over cellular
3. Take a photograph, and watch it not get uploaded
4. Toggle cellular uploading on, and watch that photo get uploaded (still in airplane mode) over ethernet.

Relevant log output

Additional information

No response

[bo0tzz]

Is the OS seeing it as a metered connection?

[Sciencentistguy]

I don't believe iOS exposes that as a setting for ethernet connections, so I'm not sure.

[BenK885]

Same issue here with the universal Immich App on macOS. Elements are prepared for backup, but backup is not starting. The app expects somehow a wireless connection. With wireless connection the backup starts immediately and runs perfectly fine.

Immich App version: 2.6.2
Testet on macOS Sequoia 15.7.5 (24G617) on a Mac mini M1 (Apple Silicon) over integrated ethernet connection
and two different MacBook Air M1 (Apple Silicon) with an USB-C ethernet adapter.

[jpsalter]

I can confirm the issue. Syncing only proceeds over USB-C ethernet connection when uploading over cellular is turned on.

Immich App version: 2.7.2 build 253
iPhone 17 Pro, iOS 26.4

I also observed that syncing appeared to be slower using a USB-C ethernet connection (with cellular uploading on) than over WiFi. But, this was a onetime observation.