Anytype Problems & Issues
Real user-reported problems, complaints, and limitations for Anytype. Based on analysis of 12 signals.
Overall score: 61/100
Issues by Category
Anytype not syncing between devices
The most common forum complaint: changes don't appear on the other device, sync stalls for days, or the sync icon keeps pulsing on 'syncing'. Causes include outdated clients, VPNs, firewalls, wrong system time and users placing the data folder in Google Drive or Dropbox, which Anytype says can corrupt the database.
'Incompatible version' error stops sync after protocol updates
When Anytype updates its network protocol, older clients show 'Anytype network - Incompatible version' and stop syncing on desktop and mobile. In an April 2026 report the in-app update button did nothing; a manual download from download.anytype.io fixed it.
Self-hosted Anytype sync breaks after client updates
Self-hosters report client updates breaking sync with their own any-sync server: an 'IncompatibleVersion' error after 0.46.7 and EOF handshake errors after 0.56.0 behind a reverse proxy. All devices must be switched manually to the same self-hosted network.
Storage usage shows full after deleting files
Several users report the storage meter staying high after deleting content, or doubling after an export and re-import, leading to 'file limit exceeded' errors. Anytype's troubleshooting page suggests Debug > Reconcile and a restart.
Anytype export to Markdown loses structure (lock-in fears)
Users worry that Markdown exports drop properties and relations and that a full export is a pile of hard-to-use files. Files are stored in encrypted fragments that can't be opened outside Anytype, and chats and space members can't be exported at all.
Notion import into Anytype is incomplete or broken
Anytype says it can't guarantee all Notion data imports correctly: mentions become plain text, date ranges become text and formulas become static values. Users report broken 'page not found' links, missing files, duplicate re-imports and, in 2026, a blank screen when opening the imported channel.
Lose your 12-word Key and your notes are gone forever
Anytype has no email or password reset. The 12-word Key is the only way into your Vault and Anytype keeps no copy, so a lost Key with no logged-in device means permanent loss. Anytype can't even delete the orphaned Vault for you.
Why is Anytype so slow with large pages and tables?
Pages with thousands of blocks or toggles, 300-row in-page tables and large sets with gallery views lag for seconds or freeze. Some releases caused regressions; version 0.56.1 made one very large toggle page roughly 10-20x faster, according to the user who reported it.
Anytype mobile app is missing desktop features
Anytype's own FAQ lists features not on mobile: columns, inline LaTeX, inline views, Kanban, calendar and graph views, formulas, embeds, import and export, and PIN code. iOS can't search inside objects. Users also report the mobile app being buggier and failing on low-end Android phones.
Anytype free plan has only 100 MB of file storage
The free plan includes 100 MB of remote storage for files. Text objects don't count, but once images and videos exceed the limit, new files stop syncing between devices until you delete files or pay ($4-$20/month).
Types, objects and relations have a steep learning curve
Users coming from Notion or plain notes apps describe the object, type and property model as confusing at first. One user who moved back to Notion cited the learning curve, bugs and a less polished editor as reasons their team lost productivity.
No web version of Anytype
Anytype has no browser app; the team says browsers would weaken its encryption model. You need the desktop or mobile app on every device, which rules out quick access from a work or shared computer.
Regret Patterns
Common reasons users regret choosing Anytype.
Losing the Key after a reinstall
Users who never saved their 12-word Key reinstall the app or switch devices and find there is no way back in.
Realizing exports aren't clean Markdown
Users expecting portable files find properties, chats and members don't export cleanly and files are encrypted fragments.
Notion migration that needs a restart
Some users import a whole Notion workspace, get broken links and messy data, and delete the space to start over manually.
Mobile app can't replace desktop
Users who planned to work on phone discover key views and features are desktop-only.
Big pages become unusable
Long pages with many toggles or big in-page tables lag badly as content grows.
Self-hosted setup breaks on update
Self-hosters update a client and lose sync until they downgrade or fix proxy settings.
When Anytype Breaks Down
Specific scenarios where Anytype fails or underperforms.
Signing in on a new device without your Key
There is no password reset; without the 12-word Key on paper or another device, the Vault is inaccessible.
Running an outdated client after a protocol update
Sync stops with 'Incompatible version' until you manually download the latest release.
Storing the data folder in Google Drive or Dropbox
Anytype warns cloud-sync tools can corrupt its SQLite databases and leak unencrypted indexes.
Pages with thousands of blocks or 300-row tables
Typing lags, views take seconds to switch and some actions freeze the app.
Uploading lots of photos on the free plan
Past 100 MB of files, new media stops syncing to other devices.
Local-only mode with a single device
No remote backup exists; if the device dies, the data is gone.
Corporate network, VPN or proxy
Connections to the Anytype Network can fail, leaving devices offline.