# Obsidian Problems & Issues 2026 - Sync Bugs & Learning Curve

Source: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian
Last analyzed: 2026-10-21
Try or Bye score: 71/100

## Verdict: Try

Obsidian 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.

## What it is

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).

## Common errors & fixes

### 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.

1. **Add a .nomedia file** — Install the 'Android Nomedia' community plugin, or create an empty file named .nomedia in the vault root with a file manager Note: .nomedia files are not synced by Obsidian Sync, so add it on each Android device
2. **Restore lost attachments** — Restore removed attachments from Obsidian Sync version history on another device

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/android-attachments-deleted

### 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.

1. **Turn off hardware acceleration** — If the window renders at all, go to Settings > About (Advanced section) and turn off 'Hardware acceleration' Restart Obsidian
2. **Update or roll back the GPU driver** — If the problem started right after a driver update, install the newest driver or roll back to the previous one
3. **Reinstall the latest Obsidian installer** — Download the installer from obsidian.md and reinstall - your vaults are separate and won't be deleted
4. **Restart or minimize/restore** — For white screens after sleep, minimizing and restoring or restarting Obsidian brings the window back

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/black-white-screen

### 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.

1. **Delete duplicate config files** — Back up the vault Open the hidden .obsidian folder and delete files like 'workspace 2.json' or 'file(1)' Reopen Obsidian and let iCloud settle
2. **Keep the vault downloaded** — On Mac, right-click the vault folder in Finder and choose 'Keep Downloaded' On iPhone, open Files and make sure the vault folder is not offloaded
3. **Use only one sync method** — If you use Obsidian Sync, move the vault out of iCloud Drive Never sync the same vault with both services
4. **Stop auto-created daily notes on mobile** — Settings > Daily notes > turn off 'Open daily note on startup' on the phone
5. **On Windows, consider another method** — Users report iCloud for Windows causes duplicates; Obsidian Sync, Syncthing or Git are more reliable cross-platform

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/icloud-sync-issues

### 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.

1. **Check the link** — Switch to Source mode and confirm the ![[file.png]] name matches the file exactly For Markdown-style links, encode spaces as %20: ![](my%20image.png)
2. **Check attachment settings** — Settings > Files and links > 'Default location for new attachments' Make sure files are actually in that folder; turn on 'Automatically update internal links' before moving files
3. **Remove stray HTML characters** — Look for < or > used as plain text above the image and remove or escape them
4. **Test without plugins and snippets** — Turn on Restricted mode and disable CSS snippets, then restart
5. **Map network vaults to a drive** — On Windows, map the network share to a drive letter instead of using a \\server path

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/images-not-showing

### 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.

1. **Update Obsidian** — Install the latest version from the App Store / Google Play - Obsidian has been reworking mobile startup, and some slowdowns were version-specific
2. **Move the vault to local storage** — On iPhone, store the vault 'On My iPhone' and sync with Obsidian Sync instead of iCloud Drive
3. **Disable or defer plugins on mobile** — Settings > Community plugins > disable plugins you don't need on the phone Test with Restricted mode to measure the difference
4. **Shrink the vault** — Move large attachments out, or use selective sync to skip file types on mobile Check for very large .md files (exported HTML, embedded images) Consider a small separate capture vault for quick notes

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/mobile-slow-to-open

### 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.

1. **Update all plugins** — Settings > Community plugins > Check for updates > Update all Restart Obsidian fully (some plugins don't unload when toggled off)
2. **Reset the plugin list if Obsidian won't open** — Back up the vault Quit Obsidian and move .obsidian/community-plugins.json out of the vault Reopen; Obsidian creates a fresh file and you can re-enable plugins one by one
3. **Isolate the bad plugin** — Turn on Restricted mode, restart, then enable plugins one at a time, restarting between each
4. **Reinstall the latest installer** — Download the current installer from obsidian.md and reinstall - this does not touch your vault Run 'Show debug info' from the command palette when reporting the problem
5. **Check file permissions** — If Restricted mode won't stay off, make sure the .obsidian folder isn't read-only or locked by a sync service

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/plugins-not-loading

### 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.

1. **Rebuild the index** — Settings > Files and links > Rebuild vault cache Then force-quit Obsidian and reopen it
2. **Switch vaults to reset** — Open the vault switcher, open another vault, then switch back - users report this restores indexing temporarily
3. **Remove oversized notes** — Look for very large .md files (exports, base64-embedded images, giant tables) and move them out of the vault
4. **Check indexing plugins** — Run 'Show debug info' from the command palette and disable indexing plugins temporarily
5. **Use a local drive** — Move the vault off Cryptomator/virtual or network drives

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/search-not-finding-notes

### 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.

1. **Find the slow plugin** — Settings > Community plugins > use the startup time (debug) timer Disable plugins with long load times or indexing features (one user cut startup from ~2 minutes to ~2 seconds by turning off Frontmatter Links 'Add to Graph')
2. **Test in Restricted mode** — Settings > Community plugins > turn on Restricted mode Restart Obsidian; if it opens fast, re-enable plugins one at a time, restarting each time
3. **Clear the app cache** — Quit Obsidian Linux: rename ~/.config/obsidian; Windows: %APPDATA%\obsidian; macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/obsidian (back it up first) Reopen Obsidian and re-add the vault if needed
4. **Trim the vault** — Move large non-note files (archives, exports, code repos) out of the vault Keep the vault on a local disk rather than a virtual or network drive

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/stuck-loading-cache

### 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.

1. **Find the stuck file in the Sync log** — Open Settings > Sync Open the Sync log and look for the same file repeating or 'Skipped' messages Rename files with illegal characters such as * : ? " < > | and let Sync run again
2. **Force-quit and reopen Obsidian** — On Android/iOS swipe Obsidian away from recent apps and reopen it On Android, exclude Obsidian from battery optimization so Sync is not suspended
3. **Disconnect and reconnect the remote vault** — Back up the vault folder first Settings > Sync > disconnect from the remote vault Reconnect to the same remote vault and accept the merge prompt; let it finish before editing
4. **Stop double syncing** — Move the vault out of iCloud Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive folders Use only Obsidian Sync for that vault
5. **Check plan limits** — Large PDFs or audio over 5 MB will not sync on Sync Standard Move large attachments out or upgrade to Sync Plus (200 MB file limit)

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/sync-not-working

### 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.

1. **Update Obsidian everywhere** — Install the latest Obsidian on every device (Settings > About > Check for updates) Mobile 1.12.0 fixed files being overridden when the app closed before saving Sync state
2. **Choose a conflict resolution mode** — Open Settings > Sync > Conflict resolution (Obsidian 1.9.7+) Pick 'Create conflict file' if you prefer to merge manually instead of 'Automatically merge' Repeat on every device - the setting is per device
3. **Let an old device sync before editing** — When a device has been offline for days, open it and wait for Sync to finish before moving or deleting files elsewhere
4. **Recover the right version** — Use the core File recovery plugin or Sync version history to restore lost text Check the Sync log filtered for 'Conflict' to see what happened
5. **Avoid startup-created duplicates** — Turn off 'Open daily note on startup' on mobile, or delay Templater automation until Sync finishes

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian/issues/sync-restoring-deleted-files

## Common problems

- **Steep learning curve intimidates new users** (onboarding): 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.
- **Plugin overload and management headaches** (usability): 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.
- **No real-time collaboration features** (usability): 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 Sync restores deleted files and creates conflict copies** (reliability): 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.
- **Obsidian Sync costs $48-60/year just to use notes on your phone** (pricing): 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.
- **Free sync alternatives have corruption issues** (reliability): 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.
- **Obsidian mobile app slow to open with large vaults** (mobile): 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.
- **No native task management; databases only arrived with Bases** (usability): 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.
- **Obsidian stuck on 'Loading cache' or slow to start on desktop** (reliability): 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.
- **No web version - desktop app required** (usability): 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 and index miss new notes in large vaults** (usability): 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.
- **Sync Standard's 1 GB and 5 MB file cap push users to Sync Plus** (pricing): 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.
- **Plain interface lacks visual appeal** (usability): 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.

## What users like

- **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

- **Free**: $0.00 (free) — hidden costs: Official cross-device sync and web publishing are paid add-ons
- **Sync Standard**: $4.00 (monthly) — hidden costs: $4/month only when billed annually ($48/year); $5/month on monthly billing
- **Sync Plus**: $8.00 (monthly) — hidden costs: $8/month only when billed annually ($96/year); $10/month on monthly billing; extra storage beyond 10 GB costs more
- **Publish**: $8.00 (monthly) — hidden costs: $8/month per site only when billed annually ($96/year); $10/month on monthly billing
- **Catalyst**: $25.00 (one_time)
- **Commercial license**: $50.00 (yearly) — hidden costs: Non-refundable

## Who should and shouldn't use it

- **Non-technical users wanting simple note-taking** — Avoid: 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** — Avoid: 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** — Avoid: 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.
- **Writers, researchers, and PKM enthusiasts** — Good fit: 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** — Good fit: 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** — Good fit: 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.
- **Apple ecosystem users wanting simple sync** — Depends: 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.
- **Engineering teams** — Good fit: Excellent for technical documentation. Native Markdown, code blocks, Git-friendly files. Developers love the plugin ecosystem and local-first approach.
- **Marketing teams** — Avoid: No real-time collaboration, steep learning curve, no visual content management. Marketing teams need Notion or Google Docs for collaborative work.
- **Researchers and academics** — Good fit: Powerful linking, citation plugins, and knowledge graph. Academics love building interconnected note systems for research.

## Alternatives

- **Notion** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/notion): Users needing collaboration switch to Notion. Gain: real-time collab, databases, web access. Trade-off: slower, data in cloud, subscription cost.
- **Logseq** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/logseq): Users wanting outliner-style switch to Logseq. Gain: bullet-based organization, daily journals, open source. Trade-off: different paradigm, smaller plugin ecosystem.
- **Craft** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/craft): Apple 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.
- **Bear** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/bear): Apple 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** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/capacities): Newer 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** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/roam-research): Users 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.

## FAQ

### Is Obsidian really free?

Yes. The core app is free with no feature limits, and Obsidian's pricing page says a commercial license is optional even for work use. You only pay for optional services: Sync (from $4/month billed annually, $5 monthly) and Publish ($8/month billed annually, $10 monthly).

### Why is Obsidian hard to learn?

Obsidian prioritizes flexibility over simplicity. Features like plugins, Dataview queries, templates, and graph customization require learning. The interface isn't as intuitive as Notion. Many users report months of 'using it wrong' before finding a workflow. The payoff is powerful, but the investment is real.

### Can I sync Obsidian for free?

Yes, with iCloud (Apple devices), Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing or Git. Forum users regularly report duplicate files, configuration-sync delays on iPhone and conflicts with these methods, and Obsidian's help docs warn against running Obsidian Sync together with another sync service. Paid Obsidian Sync is the most reliable option.

### Is Obsidian better than Notion?

Different tools for different needs. Obsidian is better for: local files, privacy, long-form writing, personal knowledge management, and customization. Notion is better for: collaboration, databases, project management, and ease of use. Choose based on whether you need personal power or team features.

### Does Obsidian work on mobile?

Yes, there are iOS and Android apps with most desktop features and community plugins. The main complaint is startup time: large vaults can take several seconds to open on phones. To use the same vault on phone and desktop you need Obsidian Sync or a third-party sync method.

### Can teams use Obsidian together?

Obsidian lacks real-time collaboration. You cannot edit the same note simultaneously like in Notion or Google Docs. For shared vaults, you'd need to use Git or cloud sync, which creates conflict risks. For team knowledge bases, consider Notion, Confluence, or Slite instead.

### What happens to my notes if Obsidian shuts down?

Your notes are safe. Obsidian stores everything as plain Markdown files on your computer. You can open them in any text editor. No lock-in, no export needed. This is a key advantage over cloud-based tools where your data is stored on company servers.

### How much does Obsidian Sync cost?

Sync Standard costs $4/month billed annually or $5 month-to-month, with 1 GB storage, 5 MB max file size, 1 vault and 1 month of history. Sync Plus costs $8/month billed annually or $10 monthly, with 10 GB (upgradable to 100 GB), 200 MB files, 10 vaults and 12 months of history.

### Is Obsidian Sync worth it?

For most people who use Obsidian on a phone and a computer, yes - it is end-to-end encrypted and avoids the duplicate-file problems of iCloud or Dropbox. Sync Standard's 1 GB / 5 MB limits are tight for PDFs and images, so media-heavy vaults need the more expensive Plus plan. Free options like Syncthing or Git work if you are comfortable with technical setup.

### Why is Obsidian not syncing?

The usual causes are a file with illegal characters (such as an asterisk) looping in the Sync log, battery-saving settings stopping Sync on Android, files over your plan's size limit, or another sync service (iCloud, Dropbox) fighting Obsidian Sync. Check Settings > Sync > Sync log, rename problem files, force-quit and reopen the app, and keep the vault out of other cloud folders.

### Why is Obsidian so slow to open?

Slow starts are usually caused by plugins that index the whole vault on startup, very large vaults with many attachments, or a stuck cache. Use the community plugins startup timer to find slow plugins, temporarily turn on Restricted mode to test, and clear the cache if Obsidian hangs on 'Loading cache'.

### Does Obsidian have databases like Notion?

Yes, partly. The Bases core plugin (available to everyone since version 1.9.10 in August 2025) turns notes with properties into filterable table views with formulas, stored in .base files. It covers simple Notion-style databases, but there are no relational databases or real-time collaboration, and many power users still use Dataview.

### Does Obsidian have a web version?

No. Obsidian is a desktop and mobile app that works on local files; there is no browser editor. Obsidian Publish can make notes readable on the web, but not editable.

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Try or Bye aggregates problem patterns from user reviews, forums, and app stores. Methodology: https://www.tryorbye.com/methodology