Notes not syncing from Macbook to iCloud or across other devices

Question

Notes not syncing from Macbook to iCloud or across other devices

Notes created on my Macbook Pro never seem to make their way to iCloud or my iPhone . I have checked that iCloud is on and enabled on all devices. I was so frustrated last week, I unticked iCloud sync on my Mac and then reticked it, hoping it would sync, but then noticed all the computer notes had been removed and it was now only showing the notes from iCloud and my phone. Looks like I have lost years worth of notes, as my computer notes held the most information.

A. Most importantly, is there any way to retrieve the computer notes I lost last week? As mentioned, these never made their way to iCloud (even though some notes were over a year old)

B. Why is this happening, and how can I fix it? Everything is enabled, I have enough space,

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Sep 5, 2022 12:59 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

askbarnabas

Level 10

103,545 points

Sep 5, 2022 5:59 AM in response to MrsWilliamsRSA

Notes can sometimes become scattered or multiplied when syncing or when changing devices. To ensure that Notes are always correct, follow these few simple steps. These steps include a Mac but do not include the steps for a PC. These steps include the use of iCloud and do not require purchasing additional storage.

If you are missing Notes because you recently deleted an email account, add it back until you perform these steps.

Step one

(Skip to step two if you do not own an iPhone/iPad)

On iPhone/iPad

Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap any account and turn on Notes (repeat for all accounts).
Go to settings>Apple ID (your name at the top>iCloud>iCloud backup - turn on and select "back up now."
Go back to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>turn notes off - choose to keep on device. Do not turn it back on yet!
Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap any account except iCloud - turn off Notes (repeat for all accounts).
Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap iCloud - turn on Notes. Stop here on the iPhone until you perform the Mac steps.

Step two

(Skip to step three if you do not own a Mac)

On Mac

Go to system preferences>internet accounts>tap iCloud account - turn on Notes
Go to system preferences>internet accounts> are the Notes turned on for all accounts?
Go to system preferences>iCloud>Notes - uncheck that, and then check it again and it may ask to merge. This should force it to merge all the Notes you have for the Mac.
Go to system preferences>internet accounts>tap any account that is not iCloud - turn off Notes (repeat for all accounts).
Stop there and go to iCloud.com

Step three

On iCloud.com

Sign in and select Notes - make sure they are correct.

Step four

On iPhone

Go back to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>turn Notes on and merge.
Go to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>iCloud backup - turn on

Useful Links

Use Notes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

If you're missing notes on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Create a checklist with Notes - Apple Support

Import your notes and files to the Notes app - Apple Support

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Notes not syncing from Macbook to iCloud or across other devices

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