Try or ByeTry or Bye

Bear Duplicate Notes (Conflicted Notes)

Ongoing macOS, iOS, iPadOS Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Bear creates duplicate 'conflicted' notes when the same note is edited on two devices before they sync. It keeps both versions so nothing is lost - review them, merge the content into one, and delete the other.

Most likely fix: Merge and delete the extra version.

Symptoms

Two copies of the same note appear at the top of the Note List, above pinned notes, with a conflict icon and a line connecting them.

Why it happens

  • Same note edited on two devices while one was offline
  • iOS app closed before sync finished
  • Full iCloud resync after a reset

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Merge and delete the extra version

    1. Open Notes in the sidebar and scroll to the top
    2. Open each conflicted version and compare the text
    3. Copy any missing paragraphs into the version you keep
    4. Delete the other version (or edit one note to clear the conflict)

  2. 2. Prevent future conflicts

    1. Wait for the sidebar sync icon to disappear before switching devices
    2. Don't edit the same note on two devices while either is offline
    3. Keep Bear open on iOS until sync completes

  3. 3. If every note was duplicated after a resync

    1. Make a backup first: File > Backup Notes
    2. Stop editing and let sync fully finish on all devices
    3. Contact Bear support with logs before mass-deleting duplicates

This guide also covers

  • bear duplicate notes
  • bear conflicted notes
  • bear notes duplicated
  • bear sync conflict

Still not working?

If Bear keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Bear problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Other Bear errors