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Obsidian Sync Restoring Deleted Files and Conflict Copies

Ongoing Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

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.

Most likely fix: Update Obsidian everywhere.

Symptoms

Notes you deleted reappear, moved files show up in both old and new folders, '(Conflicted copy ...)' files appear, or newer text is overwritten with an older version.

Why it happens

  • An offline device reconnects and re-uploads deleted/moved files it still has locally
  • Same note edited on two devices before changes synced
  • Daily notes or Templater notes auto-created on startup on two devices at once
  • Mobile app closed before saving Sync state (fixed in mobile 1.12.0)
  • Another sync service or Windows Defender quarantine touching files

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Update Obsidian everywhere

    1. Install the latest Obsidian on every device (Settings > About > Check for updates)
    2. Mobile 1.12.0 fixed files being overridden when the app closed before saving Sync state

  2. 2. Choose a conflict resolution mode

    1. Open Settings > Sync > Conflict resolution (Obsidian 1.9.7+)
    2. Pick 'Create conflict file' if you prefer to merge manually instead of 'Automatically merge'
    3. Repeat on every device - the setting is per device

  3. 3. Let an old device sync before editing

    1. When a device has been offline for days, open it and wait for Sync to finish before moving or deleting files elsewhere

  4. 4. Recover the right version

    1. Use the core File recovery plugin or Sync version history to restore lost text
    2. Check the Sync log filtered for 'Conflict' to see what happened

  5. 5. Avoid startup-created duplicates

    1. Turn off 'Open daily note on startup' on mobile, or delay Templater automation until Sync finishes

This guide also covers

  • obsidian sync restoring deleted files
  • obsidian deleted files come back
  • obsidian sync conflicted copy
  • obsidian sync overwrote my note

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