Obsidian Problems & Issues
AppA second brain, for you, forever
Should you use Obsidian?
TryObsidian is worth trying for most users (score 71/100). Most reported issues: Steep learning curve intimidates new users; Plugin overload and management headaches; No real-time collaboration features. Not a good fit for: Non-technical users wanting simple note-taking; Teams needing real-time collaboration; Users who need web access from any device. Users most often switch to Notion, Logseq, Craft.
Top problems
- Steep learning curve intimidates new users
- Plugin overload and management headaches
- No real-time collaboration features
Good for
- Writers, researchers, and PKM enthusiasts
- Privacy-conscious users
- Power users who enjoy customization
Avoid if you are
- Non-technical users wanting simple note-taking
- Teams needing real-time collaboration
- Users who need web access from any device
Score breakdown
Free local-first core, Bases (native database views, 2025) and a huge plugin ecosystem keep it a 'Try'; reliability lowered in Oct 2026 refresh because Obsidian Sync conflict/resurrected-file reports, stuck index caches and slow mobile startup on large vaults keep recurring on the official forum, and Sync Standard's 1 GB / 5 MB caps push media-heavy users to the $8-10/month Plus tier.
Overview
Obsidian is a local-first knowledge base and note-taking app that works on top of plain Markdown files stored on your own device. It is aimed at writers, researchers, students and developers who want bidirectional links, a graph view and deep customization through community plugins. The core app is free (including for work); optional paid add-ons are Sync (from $4/month billed annually) and Publish ($8/month billed annually).
Obsidian Not Working? Common Errors & Fixes
Step-by-step fixes for the errors users hit most.
Obsidian Sync Not Working or Stuck Syncing
Obsidian Sync usually stalls because one file keeps failing (often a name with illegal characters like an asterisk), the app was suspended by battery saving, or another sync service is touching the vault. Check the Sync log for the looping file, rename it, then force-quit and reopen Obsidian.
Obsidian Sync Restoring Deleted Files and Conflict Copies
Deleted or moved files come back when a device that was offline reconnects and re-uploads its cached copy, or when two devices edit the same note before syncing. Update Obsidian on every device, choose how conflicts are handled in Settings > Sync, and keep other sync services out of the vault.
Obsidian iCloud Sync Not Working or Creating Duplicates
iCloud is not designed for apps that write many small config files, so Obsidian vaults in iCloud often get duplicate files like 'workspace 2' and long 'Waiting for iCloud to synchronize' screens on iPhone. Delete the duplicates, never combine iCloud with Obsidian Sync, and keep files downloaded on the device.
Obsidian Stuck on Loading Cache or Slow to Start
A stalled 'Loading cache' or slow launch is most often caused by a plugin that indexes the vault at startup, huge numbers of non-Markdown files, or a corrupted cache. Use the plugin startup timer to find the slow plugin, then clear Obsidian's cache folder if it still hangs.
Obsidian Mobile Slow to Open on iPhone and Android
Obsidian's mobile apps load the whole vault index on launch, so large or attachment-heavy vaults can take 5-12 seconds or freeze. Keeping the vault in local app storage, trimming attachments and plugins, and updating to the latest version help most.
Obsidian Community Plugins Not Loading or Stuck in Restricted Mode
When plugins fail to load after an update, a plugin is usually incompatible or community-plugins.json is broken. Update all plugins, restart, and if Obsidian won't even open, move community-plugins.json out of the .obsidian folder to start clean.
Obsidian Black or White Screen on Startup
A blank black, white or garbled window is almost always a GPU rendering problem in Obsidian's Electron shell, often after a graphics driver update. Turning off hardware acceleration and updating the installer fixes most cases.
Obsidian Images Not Showing in Notes
Embedded images usually fail because the link no longer matches the file's path or name, the attachment folder setting points elsewhere, or a stray character breaks rendering. Check the raw link, the Files and links settings, and test with plugins off.
Obsidian Search Not Finding Notes (Stuck Index)
If search, Bases or Dataview don't see new notes, Obsidian's metadata index is stuck. Rebuild the cache in Settings > Files and links, then force-quit and reopen; recurring problems usually point to a huge or malformed note or an indexing plugin.
Obsidian Android Deleting Synced Attachments
On Android, Google Photos or the system media scanner can manage and remove images that Obsidian Sync downloaded. Obsidian's official fix is adding a .nomedia file to the vault folder on the phone.
Signals & Issues
Patterns extracted from real user feedback — not raw reviews.
First-time users struggle to adjust to Obsidian's interface, which isn't beginner-friendly. The flexibility comes at the cost of ease of use. Many users report using Obsidian 'wrong' for months before finding a setup that works. For average users, it's way too tinkery and complicated to use power features.
The customizable nature leads to plugin overload. Many plugins are buggy, poorly designed, or lack updates. Users frequently troubleshoot plugin conflicts or deal with plugins that break after Obsidian releases. The plugin ecosystem can be overwhelming to navigate.
Obsidian is built as a personal knowledge management tool with no real-time collaboration capabilities. Unlike Notion or Google Docs, you cannot work simultaneously with others on the same note. Collaboration requires paid Obsidian Publish add-on, which only shares, not collaborates.
Obsidian still has no built-in task or project management, so users rely on community plugins like Tasks, Dataview or Kanban, creating fragmented setups. Native database-style table views arrived with the Bases core plugin (early access in 1.9.0, May 2025; available to everyone from 1.9.10, Aug 2025), but reviewers note it is still less flexible than Dataview.
Unlike Notion or Evernote, there is no web version of Obsidian. You must download and install the app. This limits access from shared computers, Chromebooks, or situations where you can't install software. Your notes aren't accessible from a browser.
Search works for small vaults, but users with large vaults report slow search, and a recurring forum thread describes the index cache getting stuck: new notes do not appear in search, Bases or Dataview, and the 'Rebuild' button in Settings > Files and links sometimes does nothing until Obsidian is force-quit and reopened.
Much of the default interface is plain and doesn't have an attractive working environment. While themes exist, achieving a polished look requires theme installation and configuration. Out of the box, it looks utilitarian compared to polished apps like Notion.
The core app is free, but official cross-device sync starts at Sync Standard: $4/month billed annually or $5/month billed monthly. Standard covers only 1 vault, 1 GB total storage, 5 MB max file size and 1 month of version history, so users who assumed 'free' meant full multi-device use end up paying or wrestling with iCloud/Dropbox/Syncthing workarounds.
Sync Standard ($4/month annual, $5 monthly) allows only 1 GB total and 5 MB per file, which PDFs, audio and image-heavy vaults hit quickly. Sync Plus doubles the price to $8/month annual or $10 monthly for 10 GB (upgradable to 100 GB), 200 MB files, 10 vaults and 12 months of history.
Forum reports describe multi-second launches on Android (about 5 seconds for a ~1,400-file media-heavy vault, 10-12 seconds in other reports) and freezes on iPhone with ~40,000-note vaults; disabling plugins saves only a few hundred milliseconds. A 2026 report also flags very slow file reading on Android 16. Large vaults remain slow on phones even with plugins disabled.
2026 forum bug reports describe Obsidian Sync resurrecting deleted or moved files when an offline device reconnects, repeatedly restoring deleted files (a thread with 30+ replies), and an iPhone overwriting newer data. Obsidian fixed one cause in mobile 1.12.0 (files overridden when the app closed before saving Sync state) and added a 'Create conflict file' option in 1.9.7, but reports continue.
Users trying to avoid Obsidian Sync by using iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive report sync conflicts, file corruption, and duplication issues. iCloud on Windows is particularly unreliable. Self-hosted alternatives like Syncthing require technical setup.
Users with big vaults or indexing-heavy plugins report startup stalling at 'Loading vault' / 'Loading cache' for minutes. Causes found in forum threads include a single plugin setting (one user went from two minutes to two seconds by turning off Frontmatter Links' 'Add to Graph'), tens of thousands of non-Markdown files, and corrupted cache folders.
What Users Love
Local-first: You own your data completely
All notes are stored as plain Markdown files on your device. No cloud lock-in, no data hostage situations. You can access and edit files with any text editor. Your notes remain yours forever, even if Obsidian disappears.
100% free for personal use with all features
The core application is completely free with no feature restrictions, no note limits, and no upsell pressure. Commercial license requirement was removed in 2025. Only optional sync ($4/mo) and publish ($8/mo) services cost money.
Powerful bidirectional linking and graph view
Create connections between notes with double brackets. The graph view visualizes your knowledge network. Backlinks show all notes that reference the current note. This creates a 'second brain' that mimics how human thought works.
Extensive customization through plugins and themes
Over 1,000 community plugins extend functionality. Themes change the entire look. CSS snippets allow granular customization. You can make Obsidian work exactly how you want - if you're willing to invest the time.
Fast performance with local files
Because files are local, Obsidian is fast even with large vaults. No waiting for cloud sync on every action. Works offline by default. Performance is notably better than cloud-based alternatives like Notion.
Privacy-focused with no data collection
The small bootstrapped team doesn't collect your data or sell to advertisers. End-to-end encryption available with Obsidian Sync. No VC pressure to monetize user data. Ideal for sensitive information.
Pricing Plans
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Unlimited (local)
- ✓All core features
- ✓Community plugins and themes
- ✓Unlimited notes and vaults
- ✓Desktop and mobile apps
- ✓Commercial use allowed (license optional)
Limitations: No built-in sync, no web version, you manage your own backups
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1 GB total, 5 MB per file
- ✓End-to-end encrypted sync
- ✓1 synced vault
- ✓Unlimited devices
- ✓1 month version history
- ✓Shared vaults
Limitations: 5 MB file cap and 1 GB total are tight for PDFs, audio and images
Users: 1 user
Storage: 10 GB (upgradable to 100 GB), 200 MB per file
- ✓End-to-end encrypted sync
- ✓10 synced vaults
- ✓Unlimited devices
- ✓12 months version history
- ✓Shared vaults
Limitations: Per-user pricing; no real-time co-editing
Users: 1 site
- ✓Publish notes as a website
- ✓Customizable theme
- ✓Graph and full-text search for readers
- ✓Priority support
Limitations: One-way publishing, not collaborative editing
Users: 1 user
- ✓Early access to beta versions
- ✓Community badges
- ✓Exclusive channels
Limitations: Supporter license; unlocks no extra features in stable builds
Users: Per user
- ✓Supports development
- ✓Eligible to be a featured organization
Limitations: Optional - not required for work use
Features
Security
- Local-first storage
Plain Markdown files you own
- End-to-end encrypted sync
Obsidian Sync only (from $4/mo billed annually)
Organization
- Bidirectional linking
Core feature
- Native database views
Bases core plugin (since 1.9, 2025); Dataview still more flexible
Visualization
- Graph view
Visualize note connections
- Canvas/whiteboard
Built-in canvas feature
Customization
- Community plugins
Thousands available, quality varies
- Custom themes
Extensive theme marketplace
Publishing
- Publish to web
Obsidian Publish ($8/mo annual, $10 monthly)
Mobile
- Mobile apps
iOS and Android, basic experience
Reliability
- Offline access
Full offline by default
Usability
- Markdown support
Core format
- Web version
No browser access
Productivity
- Templates
Core and Templater plugin
- Built-in task management
Requires plugins
Pricing
- Free personal use
No feature restrictions
Collaboration
- Real-time collaboration
Not available
AI
- AI features
Requires third-party plugins
Who Should Use This?
Good Fit
Writers, researchers, and PKM enthusiasts
Obsidian excels at long-form writing, research, and personal knowledge management. Bidirectional linking, local Markdown files, and graph view make it ideal for building a 'second brain.'
Privacy-conscious users
Local-first storage means your notes never touch company servers (unless using optional Sync). No data collection, no analytics, end-to-end encryption available. Your data stays yours.
Power users who enjoy customization
If you enjoy tweaking tools to work exactly how you want, Obsidian's plugin ecosystem, themes, and CSS customization offer endless possibilities. The investment pays off for dedicated users.
Engineering teams
Excellent for technical documentation. Native Markdown, code blocks, Git-friendly files. Developers love the plugin ecosystem and local-first approach.
Researchers and academics
Powerful linking, citation plugins, and knowledge graph. Academics love building interconnected note systems for research.
Neutral
Apple ecosystem users wanting simple sync
iCloud sync works for many, but forum users report duplicate workspace/config files and 'Waiting for iCloud to synchronize configuration files' delays on iPhone. Fine if you test carefully and keep backups; Obsidian Sync is the more reliable option.
Avoid
Non-technical users wanting simple note-taking
Obsidian's learning curve is steep. If you just want to write notes without configuring plugins, themes, and workflows, simpler options like Apple Notes, Notion, or Bear will work better.
Teams needing real-time collaboration
Obsidian has no real-time collaboration. You cannot edit the same note simultaneously. For team knowledge bases, Notion, Confluence, or Slite are far better suited.
Users who need web access from any device
There is no web version. You must install the app. If you work from shared computers, Chromebooks, or need browser access, Notion or other cloud apps work better.
Marketing teams
No real-time collaboration, steep learning curve, no visual content management. Marketing teams need Notion or Google Docs for collaborative work.
Regret Patterns
Common buyer's remorse scenarios reported by users.
Users get caught in the customization rabbit hole - installing plugins, tweaking themes, building complex Dataview dashboards. They realize months have passed optimizing the tool rather than using it for actual work.
Users avoid the $4/month Obsidian Sync by using iCloud or Dropbox. After experiencing sync conflicts, duplicate files, or corrupted notes, they either lose work or end up paying for Sync anyway.
Users build extensive personal knowledge bases only to realize they need to share or collaborate with others. Obsidian's lack of real-time collaboration means rebuilding in Notion or similar tools.
Users set up complex plugin-dependent workflows on desktop, then discover mobile doesn't support many plugins and loads slowly. The cross-device experience doesn't match expectations.
Users subscribe to the cheapest Sync plan and later find PDFs, recordings or image attachments exceed the 5 MB file cap or 1 GB total, forcing an upgrade to Sync Plus at double the price or moving attachments out of the vault.
When It Breaks Down
Scenarios where this product tends to fail users.
Obsidian has no real-time collaboration. Sharing vaults via Git or cloud creates merge conflicts. When projects require working with others, users must switch to Notion, Confluence, or similar collaborative tools.
There's no web version. From a library computer, Chromebook, or work machine where you can't install software, your notes are inaccessible unless using Obsidian Publish (public-facing, not for editing).
Community plugins may conflict with each other or break after Obsidian updates. Power users with complex setups spend time troubleshooting instead of working. Some plugins get abandoned.
Large vaults with many attachments slow down sync, search, and startup - especially on mobile. The 10GB Sync limit may not be enough. Local storage benefits become a burden.
Vaults inside cloud-sync or encrypted virtual drives (e.g. Cryptomator) can trigger full re-indexing on every open, duplicate config files and slow mobile starts. Obsidian's own docs warn against double-syncing with Obsidian Sync plus another service.
Obsidian Sync merges Markdown with diff-match-patch and uses 'last modified wins' for other files, so offline edits on two devices can produce merged duplicates, conflict copies or resurrected deleted files.
Alternatives Users Switch To
Notion
6x mentionedUsers needing collaboration switch to Notion. Gain: real-time collab, databases, web access. Trade-off: slower, data in cloud, subscription cost.
Craft
6x mentionedApple users switch for the polished native experience, beautiful design, and easier sync. Less customization but works great out of the box. Better mobile experience than Obsidian.
Logseq
5x mentionedUsers wanting outliner-style switch to Logseq. Gain: bullet-based organization, daily journals, open source. Trade-off: different paradigm, smaller plugin ecosystem.
Bear
5x mentionedApple users wanting simpler Markdown notes switch to Bear for its elegant design, easier tagging system, and seamless iCloud sync. Less powerful but much lower friction.
Capacities
4x mentionedNewer alternative combining Obsidian's linking with Notion's databases in a more approachable package. Good for users finding Obsidian too complex but wanting more than Notion.
Roam Research
4x mentionedUsers wanting the original outliner-style networked-thought tool. Gain: powerful block references and queries. Trade-off: paid-only subscription, cloud-based rather than local files.
Frequently Asked Questions
See how Obsidian compares in our Best Note Taking Software rankings, or calculate costs with our Budget Calculator.
Work at Obsidian or spotted something outdated? Suggest a correction — we verify every change against public sources. See our methodology.