Notes Not Syncing Across Devices

Hello,


For some time now I've noticed that my Notes app does not sync my notes across devices. iCloud sync for Notes is set to "on" on all my devices (iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, iMac, iPhone 14 Pro Max), and each device is up to date with the latest software versions. I've tried toggling iCloud Notes sync off, then on again (only on my iMac as a test) to see if I could "force the sync across devices and that made ALL my notes disappear off my iMac. Really hoping they come back. Here are my symptoms from a troubleshooting perspective:


  • Specifically on my MacBook Pro and iMac, I have a never ending "loading" circle on top of the iCloud notes section (see attached) that appears to be trying to sync, but never changes. Just keeps spinning and spinning. I've let this run over night in excess of 24 hours thinking it just needs time to sync, but nothing changes.
  • I have no VPNs active on any device that might impede up/down load of data.
  • I have shutdown and restarted each device to see if maybe something might be stuck in digital purgatory, to no avail.
  • I have also disabled "on my device" notes as I have read on some forums that that may be the culprit but still, nothing.
  • I have sufficient storage space available on the cloud to where the shouldn't be the problem.


I used be able to make a note on one device and just after a few seconds be able to see that very note on any other of my devices. Any update to a note from any device would act the same on other devices. As of late, it seems each device's Notes is its own standalone app that doesn't talk across devices. I have noticed this to be the case for months now.


I will note (pardon the pun) that my iCloud account is that same across all devices. I can't explain why the Notes never update/sync anymore, and all I see is the endless clockwise winding "I'm thinking" circle directly above the Notes' iCould section.


Anyone have or seen the same issue? I really hope there is a solution to this, as everything I've read I have tried and nothing seems to correct the discrepancy.


Thanks for reading.


-J


MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.3

Posted on Apr 29, 2023 10:19 PM

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11 replies

Apr 29, 2023 10:24 PM in response to RicanHavoc787

RicanHavoc787 Said:

"Notes Not Syncing Across Devices: For some time now I've noticed that my Notes app does not sync my notes across devices.[...]"

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Thank you for the photo.


Note:

Log In Issues Going About:

I am seeing lots of iCloud login issues being reported. So, keep an eye on where things stand: System Status - Apple Support


Troubleshooting Notes:

I. Re-Enable Notes in iCloud Settings:

Look in iCloud settings in each device, and make sure that Notes is clicked. If it is, then unclick it, and then click it again.


II. New iCloud Sessions:

Log out of iCloud on all of your devices, and then log back in, one-device-at-a-time. Perhaps it all needs to resync?


III. Recovering Lost Notes:

If you have lost the notes, then here is what to try...

A. Start Here: If you're Missing Notes on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


B. Restore from a Backup:

Did your ever back up your iPhone with these installed? If so, back up you could back up your iPhone, and then restore it from the backup.


C. iCloud in Settings: Look in iCloud settings in each device, and make sure that Notes is clicked. If it is, then unclick it, and then click it again.

Sep 4, 2023 1:30 AM in response to RicanHavoc787

Ensure Custom Password is active for locked Notes, not Touch ID or similar.

If Touch ID is active on Notes on iPhone, Notes on iCloud and iPhone will sync, but Notes on iCloud won't sync to Notes on Mac, and you'll be unable to open locked Notes on iCloud.

This worked for me. Took a few minutes to re-sync on iCloud, iPhone and Mac. All Notes now appear on all devices can can be opened using same Custom Password on all.

Nov 20, 2023 8:49 AM in response to RicanHavoc787

This is reminiscent of the bad old days of iCloud, where it was constantly broken and Apple is zero help because their products “never malfunction” or at least they don’t provide any tools to fix the issue when malfunction happens.


After several rounds of rebooting phone and checking settings, and logging out and back in to iCloud, I give up. I’m sitting here viewing notes in safari, while Notes doggedly insists it has no internet.


Seems like there is little choice except to convert Apple notes into Microsoft OneNote (which syncs great between a a Mac and a iPhone). Or Exchange/365 notes. I can’t believe the only fix is dump Apple since Microsoft works and Apple won’t. Unbelievable. How about adding a “connect” button inside of Notes? Or Apple, remove the broken code which detects connectivity?

Notes Not Syncing Across Devices

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