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iCloud Private relay stuck at loading

match14

match14

macrumors 6502
Original poster
I'm having an issue with iCloud Private Relay on a 2019 16" MacBook Pro running macOS Tahoe 26.4.1

In the iCloud control panel it states private relay loading.
Screenshot 2026-04-10 at 11.43.07.png


If I click on Private Relay I get this screen and cannot move the switch to on.
Screenshot 2026-04-10 at 11.43.30.png


I have tried booting in safe mode but it still happens.

I do not have a VPN installed.

This only started recently and Private Relay is fine on my iPhone.

Can any one help?
 
is the iPhone on the same network, or cellular data?

If not the same network, could be a network issue. Otherwise possibly a server glitch; try again after a few hours.
 
24 hours later and I’m still having this issue, being to think it is an issue on the Mac itself.
 
Yeah I might give that a try, normally signing in and out of iCloud gives me the fear.
 
Hey match14

I have the same 2019 16" MacBook Pro running macOS Tahoe 26.4.1, no VPN, and I have precisely the same issue, ie. Private Relay stuck on Loading.

Restart, no effect.

Did you find a fix?
 
Not yet, do you have malwarebytes installed? I’m think it may be that, either that or I’ll try signing in and out of iCloud.
 
match14 said:
Not yet, do you have malwarebytes installed? I’m think it may be that, either that or I’ll try signing in and out of iCloud.
Click to expand...
Nope. I vaguely recall de-instaling malwarebytes ages ago for being too invasive.

When I get a moment I might call Apple Support.
 
Last edited:
I have the same issue. I tried signing out and back in with no luck. I also did a clean install of version 26.4.1 and still not working. Safe boot doesn’t work either. My iPhone and iPad are not affected.
Screenshot 2026-04-14 at 7.46.42 PM.jpeg
 
match14 said:
Not yet, do you have malwarebytes installed? I’m think it may be that, either that or I’ll try signing in and out of iCloud.
Click to expand...
youglobal said:
Nope.
Click to expand...

Initially I thought not, because after you asked that question match14, I jumped on to Spotlight, keyed in malwarebytes, and nothing obvious returned, despite recalling that I'm sure I had it installed at some stage.

HOWEVER ...

I did end up calling Apple. We went through some routine troubleshooting steps, one of which was to restart in Safe Mode (no change, Private Relay still stuck on Loading), another of which was to create a test user.

Following creation of a test user, and logging in as that test user, lo and behold ...

Malwarebytes evidence.jpg


Which suggests to me Malware bytes has indeed maintained a sneaky presence on my MacBook. So my next step is to figure out how and wear and get rid of this clandestine invader. See if that solves the Private Relay issue.
 
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youglobal said:
Initially I thought not, because after you asked that question match14, I jumped on to Spotlight, keyed in malwarebytes, and nothing obvious returned, despite recalling that I'm sure I had it installed at some stage.

HOWEVER ...

I did end up calling Apple. We went through some routine troubleshooting steps, one of which was to restart in Safe Mode (no change, Private Relay still stuck on Loading), another of which was to create a test user.

Following creation of a test user, and logging in as that test user, lo and behold ...

View attachment 2622502

Which suggests to me Malware bytes has indeed maintained a sneaky presence on my MacBook. So my next step is to figure out how and wear and get rid of this clandestine invader. See if that solves the Private Relay issue.
Click to expand...
I didn’t have any vpn or security software when the problem appeared so I think it’s just an apple thing.
 
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MasOS reinstalled, no change. Apple Support has now completed the whole CaptureData exercise and submitted to engineers. Call back from Apple scheduled for Wed 22 Apr 2026. Case ID 102869692157 in case anybody else wants to reference that with Apple.

I look forward to 26.4.2 a release later today. 😁
 
Last edited:
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In case of interest, the "Private Relay is Active" alert popped up following a reinstall of MacOS, I think? Despite the "Loading" status of Private Relay, and if you click through to Private Relay, the status shows as Off.
Private relay loading yet active.png

Private Relay Off.png
 
Apple did call me as scheduled, however no solution. Scheduled to call me again on Sun 26 Apr 2026 with an update on progress.
 
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