iCloud Private relay stuck at loading

[match14]

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

At least they are trying.

 

[rivertrip]

I have the same problem. My computer was refurbished by Apple. I wonder if others confronted with this bug also have refurbished computers.

My refurbished computer still is "owned" by the organization that returned it to Apple. iCloud may see that as a VPN, and VPNs may interfere with Private Relay.

 

[youglobal]

From: Apple Support <acsupportcase@apple.com>
Subject: Your Apple case 102869692157
Date: 26 April 2026 at 1:00:29 pm AEST

<snip>

Thanks for your patience. I’m still waiting to hear from our engineers about your case. As soon as I receive a response, I’ll email you to coordinate a good day and time to call.

<snip>

 

[youglobal]

I have the same problem. My computer was refurbished by Apple. I wonder if others confronted with this bug also have refurbished computers.

My refurbished computer still is "owned" by the organization that returned it to Apple. iCloud may see that as a VPN, and VPNs may interfere with Private Relay.

The MacBook that I have did have all of the batteries replaced by Apple, and I understand was cleaned internally due to the potential for dust build up being root cause. That must've been a couple of years ago now .. certainly between 2 to 3.5 years ago.

That remedy by Apple was a result of some issue that arose with kernel_task using up excessive CPU resources, slowing the MacBook to a crawl frequently.

 

[MProIntelUsr]

Thanks for posting on this and taking time to call Apple. Did you hear any news on the 26th ? I have the same problem, and use a MacPro 2019 Intel Tahoe 26.3.1. Computer bought new, so refurbishment not the issue, its something new after an OS update perhaps. Private relay is stuck like you describe, but even though it shows as "OFF", I think it is active ON. I know this because if you go to Google Scholar (to search medical journals, for example), Google will not let you search if you are using Private Relay. So when I need to do those searches, I turn PR off. Anyway. I'd rather have it stuck on, but this is a pain. Hope you hear more form you and that this is solved.

 

[match14]

So far it seems to be Intel Mac books.

 

[Dino82]

Since a few weeks I have the same issue with private relay and stuck at loading. My 16" 2019 MacBook Pro is running macOS Tahoe 26.4.1. Based on information from this forum and Apple community it seems to be an issue with Intel Mac's. Since yesterday the problem has been solved for me. Private relay is "on" and active. Yesterday was also the day that my iCloud subscription is renewed monthly. That may be a coincidence, but it is striking that it worked again afterwards.

 

[match14]

Interesting mine is working now too.

 

[vichdz91]

Problem resolved, I think it was a link sync issue related to apple id where some users lost access to private relay but it's fixed now.

 

[youglobal]

To tidy up on my prior posts on this subject, at some point he issue went away for me. Whether it was following an OS update or some other trigger I don't know.

I gave up following up Apple. Unlike Apple to simply ignore a raised case.

1. I received an update from the Apple technical support person on 26 Apr 2026: "I’m still waiting to hear from our engineers about your case."
2. I sent a follow up email on 11 May 2026.
3. Not having heard back I sent another follow up email on 26 May 2026.
4. I received a reply 26 May 2026, which included: "I asked for a follow up from the team since they have not given me back an answer since we last got in touch."
5. I sent a follow up email on 6 Jun 2026.
6. Not having heard back I sent another follow up email on 29 Jun 2026.
7. Not having heard back I sent another follow up email on 17 Jul 2026 requesting outcome of case.

No reply. Poor show, Apple. Yes, the problem appears to have naturally resolved, but you've failed Customer Service 101.

I need an updated MacBook Pro anyway. All is forgiven if you send me one. 😎