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Obsidian Sync Not Working or Stuck Syncing

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

Quick answer

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.

Most likely fix: Find the stuck file in the Sync log.

Symptoms

Sync icon spins forever, the Sync log repeats 'Uploading' for the same files, mobile hangs on 'Connecting to server', or changes from one device never appear on another.

Why it happens

  • A filename with characters another OS does not allow (e.g. *, :, ?) loops on every sync
  • Android battery optimization or the OS suspending the app mid-sync
  • Vault also inside iCloud, Dropbox or OneDrive (double syncing)
  • Files larger than the plan's max file size (5 MB on Standard, 200 MB on Plus)
  • Settings or plugin changes not live-reloaded on the other device

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Find the stuck file in the Sync log

    1. Open Settings > Sync
    2. Open the Sync log and look for the same file repeating or 'Skipped' messages
    3. Rename files with illegal characters such as * : ? " < > | and let Sync run again

  2. 2. Force-quit and reopen Obsidian

    1. On Android/iOS swipe Obsidian away from recent apps and reopen it
    2. On Android, exclude Obsidian from battery optimization so Sync is not suspended

  3. 3. Disconnect and reconnect the remote vault

    1. Back up the vault folder first
    2. Settings > Sync > disconnect from the remote vault
    3. Reconnect to the same remote vault and accept the merge prompt; let it finish before editing

  4. 4. Stop double syncing

    1. Move the vault out of iCloud Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive folders
    2. Use only Obsidian Sync for that vault

  5. 5. Check plan limits

    1. Large PDFs or audio over 5 MB will not sync on Sync Standard
    2. Move large attachments out or upgrade to Sync Plus (200 MB file limit)

This guide also covers

  • obsidian sync not working
  • obsidian sync stuck
  • obsidian sync stuck uploading
  • obsidian sync connecting to server
  • obsidian sync loop

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