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Obsidian iCloud Sync Not Working or Creating Duplicates

Workaround available iOS, macOS, Windows Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

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.

Most likely fix: Delete duplicate config files.

Symptoms

Files named 'note 2.md' or 'workspace(1)' multiply, the iPhone app shows 'Waiting for iCloud to synchronize Obsidian configuration files', changes take minutes to appear, or duplicate daily notes are created.

Why it happens

  • iCloud creating duplicate copies of frequently written .obsidian config files
  • iCloud offloading files and re-downloading them on demand
  • Running iCloud and Obsidian Sync on the same vault
  • Daily note created on startup before iCloud finished syncing
  • iCloud for Windows being less reliable than on Apple devices

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Delete duplicate config files

    1. Back up the vault
    2. Open the hidden .obsidian folder and delete files like 'workspace 2.json' or 'file(1)'
    3. Reopen Obsidian and let iCloud settle

  2. 2. Keep the vault downloaded

    1. On Mac, right-click the vault folder in Finder and choose 'Keep Downloaded'
    2. On iPhone, open Files and make sure the vault folder is not offloaded

  3. 3. Use only one sync method

    1. If you use Obsidian Sync, move the vault out of iCloud Drive
    2. Never sync the same vault with both services

  4. 4. Stop auto-created daily notes on mobile

    1. Settings > Daily notes > turn off 'Open daily note on startup' on the phone

  5. 5. On Windows, consider another method

    1. Users report iCloud for Windows causes duplicates; Obsidian Sync, Syncthing or Git are more reliable cross-platform

This guide also covers

  • obsidian icloud sync not working
  • obsidian icloud duplicates
  • waiting for icloud to synchronize obsidian configuration files
  • obsidian icloud windows

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