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Tana 'You Appear to Be Offline' Error

Workaround available Web, Mac, Windows, Linux Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

The prompt appears when Tana loses its connection to its servers, often on unstable Wi-Fi, VPNs or proxies. Use the desktop app, switch networks or proxy mode, and turn on 'Work offline' so you can keep editing until the connection returns.

Most likely fix: Use the desktop app instead of a browser tab.

Symptoms

A 'You appear to be offline' message pops up repeatedly and blocks editing, even though other apps and websites work.

Why it happens

  • Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile connection
  • VPN or proxy dropping Tana's connection (common in China)
  • Corporate firewall blocking Tana
  • Using the browser version, which has to reload all data

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Use the desktop app instead of a browser tab

    1. Download Tana Outliner Desktop for Mac, Windows or Linux from outliner.tana.inc
    2. Log in and open your workspace there
    3. Brief disconnects are tolerated and changes sync when you reconnect

  2. 2. Switch to offline mode

    1. Update the desktop app to version 1.0.50 or newer
    2. Open the user menu (or the command line) and choose 'Work offline'
    3. Keep editing personal workspaces; changes sync automatically when you go back online

  3. 3. Change network or proxy setup

    1. Try a different network such as a phone hotspot
    2. If you use a VPN or proxy, switch to global mode or a more stable server
    3. On a work network, ask IT to allow Tana's domains

  4. 4. Reload after the connection is stable

    1. Wait until your connection is stable
    2. Reload the app (Cmd/Ctrl+R) and let it sync, which can take a few minutes

This guide also covers

  • tana you appear to be offline
  • tana offline error
  • tana not connecting
  • tana not working

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