# Ulysses Problems & Issues 2026 - Sync Fails, $40/yr Price

Source: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses
Last analyzed: 2026-10-21
Try or Bye score: 69/100

## Verdict: Try with caution

Ulysses works for some teams, but users report recurring problems (score 69/100). Most reported issues: Apple-only: No Windows or Android versions; Controversial switch to subscription angered existing users; Why is Ulysses so expensive? $40/year subscription for a writing app. Not a good fit for: Windows or Android users; Budget-conscious writers; Traditional print publishing authors. Users most often switch to Scrivener, iA Writer, Bear.

## What it is

Premium Markdown-based writing app for Mac, iPad and iPhone, aimed at bloggers, authors and long-form writers. Subscription-based since 2017 ($5.99/month or $39.99/year), with a $199.99 one-time perpetual license added in 2026. Apple-only - no Windows, Android or web version. Known for distraction-free writing and strong export/publishing to WordPress, Ghost, Medium and ePub.

## Common errors & fixes

### How to Cancel Ulysses Subscription and Get a Refund

Ulysses subscriptions are handled by Apple, so cancel in your Apple Account subscriptions and request refunds at reportaproblem.apple.com. Ulysses itself can't cancel or refund.

1. **Cancel on Mac** — Open the App Store and click your name Account Settings > Subscriptions > Ulysses > Cancel Subscription
2. **Cancel on iPhone/iPad** — Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions > Ulysses > Cancel Subscription
3. **Request a refund** — Cancel first Go to reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in Choose I'd like to > Request a refund, pick a reason Select Ulysses and submit - Apple decides

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/cancel-refund

### Forgot Ulysses Password (App Locked)

If you locked Ulysses with a password and forgot it, recover it from Keychain Access on the Mac. On iPhone/iPad, send the Password Token from Settings to Ulysses support to get a reset token.

1. **Recover it from Keychain Access (Mac)** — Open Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access Select the login keychain and search for com.ulyssesapp.mac.Password Double-click it and tick Show password, then enter your Mac login password Change or remove the lock in Ulysses > Settings > Privacy
2. **Request a reset token (iPhone/iPad)** — Open Settings > Apps > Ulysses > Debug Copy the Password Token Email it to help@ulysses.app Enter the reset token you receive in Ulysses' password field Set a new password under Library > gear > Privacy Protection

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/forgot-password

### Ulysses App Icon Gray (Ulysses Mobile)

A gray Ulysses icon means you're still on the old 'Ulysses Mobile' app. Install 'Ulysses Writing App', confirm your subscription and content are there, then delete the gray app.

1. **Switch to the Ulysses Writing App** — Download 'Ulysses Writing App' from the App Store Open it and check your subscription and all your sheets are available Only then touch and hold the gray icon > Remove App > Delete App
2. **Fix Family Sharing** — Subscriptions bought in Ulysses Mobile can't be shared - follow Ulysses' Family Sharing help article to move to a shareable subscription

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/gray-app-icon

### Ulysses Not Compatible With Older macOS or iOS

Current Ulysses needs macOS 15.4+ or iOS/iPadOS 26+. On older systems you can only get the last compatible build from the App Store, and only if Ulysses was installed before with the same Apple Account.

1. **Download the last compatible version** — Sign in to the App Store with the Apple Account that previously installed Ulysses Open Purchased and reinstall Ulysses - the App Store offers the last compatible version Your sheets still sync with newer devices via iCloud on the same account
2. **Update the OS if the device supports it** — Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update iPhone/iPad: Settings > General > Software Update

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/not-compatible-older-os

### Ulysses Not Syncing Between Mac and iPhone

Ulysses syncs only through Apple's iCloud Drive, so sync failures almost always come from iCloud settings: different Apple Accounts, iCloud Drive or Ulysses turned off, full iCloud storage, or stalled background services. Check those, restart every device, then contact Ulysses support.

1. **Check the Apple Account and iCloud Drive settings on every device** — Mac: System Settings > [your name] - confirm the same Apple Account on all devices Mac: System Settings > iCloud > Drive - turn on Sync this Mac and enable Ulysses under Apps Syncing to iCloud Drive iPhone/iPad: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Drive - turn on Sync this iPhone/iPad and enable Ulysses Make sure your iCloud storage is not full
2. **Restart all devices** — Restart the Mac Force restart (cold boot) the iPhone or iPad so iCloud background services start again
3. **Allow sync on mobile data** — Use Wi-Fi and keep the device charging while syncing Settings > Cellular: enable Cellular Data, then enable iCloud Drive for Ulysses Turn off Low Data Mode if sync is slow
4. **Test whether iCloud Drive itself works** — Put a DOCX, PDF or JPEG into the iCloud Drive folder in Finder Check if it appears in the Files app on iPhone/iPad (and the other way round) If it doesn't, the problem is iCloud - check apple.com/support/systemstatus and contact Apple
5. **Nudge a stuck sync** — Create a new sheet with a little text on the device that isn't syncing Or turn iCloud sync off and on again in Ulysses' library settings Wait a few minutes for missing sheets to download
6. **Sign out of iCloud and contact support** — If nothing helps, sign out of iCloud on all devices and sign back in (support has fixed corrupted iCloud setups this way) Email help@ulysses.app with Support Info: Mac Help > Copy Support Info; iOS Library > gear > Help & Support > Copy Support Info

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/not-syncing

### Ulysses PDF Export Slow or Blank Pages

Slow PDF export of long texts and blank pages caused by manual page breaks were bugs fixed in Ulysses 41.2 (October 2026). Update the app; if blank pages remain, remove manual page breaks.

1. **Update to Ulysses 41.2 or later** — Open the App Store > Updates and install the latest Ulysses
2. **Remove extra manual page breaks** — Search the sheet for manual page breaks you added before headings Delete them and export again

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/pdf-export-slow-blank-pages

### Ulysses Restore Purchases Not Working

Restore Purchases fails when you're signed in with a different Apple Account, the subscription has lapsed, or you're restoring on a different platform than where you bought it. Restore on the original platform; other devices then pick it up through iCloud.

1. **Use the purchasing Apple Account** — Check which account bought Ulysses in your Apple Account's Subscriptions page Sign in with that account in the App Store on this device
2. **Restore on the platform where you bought it** — If you subscribed on the Mac, run Restore Purchases on the Mac If you subscribed on iPhone/iPad, restore there
3. **Let iCloud carry the subscription to other devices** — Enable iCloud Drive and Ulysses on every device Sign in to the same iCloud account everywhere Restart Ulysses on the other devices

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/restore-purchases-failed

### Ulysses Sheets Disappeared or Missing

Missing sheets are usually a sync issue or a sync conflict, not deleted data. Check the other devices first, then restore from Ulysses' built-in local backups via File > Browse Backups on the Mac.

1. **Check if sync is stuck** — Open Ulysses on all your devices and see whether the sheets exist anywhere Run the sync checklist (same Apple Account, iCloud Drive and Ulysses enabled, iCloud storage not full) Create a new sheet with some text to trigger a re-sync
2. **Restore from Browse Backups (Mac)** — Choose File > Browse Backups Pick a backup from before the content vanished - a yellow-black bar shows you're browsing a backup Drag the sheet or group back into your library, or right-click it and restore
3. **Check the Trash** — Open the Trash section in the Ulysses library sidebar and restore any sheets deleted by mistake
4. **Update for longer backup retention** — Install Ulysses 41.2 or later - it keeps monthly backups indefinitely and retains more hourly, daily and weekly backups
5. **Keep an independent backup** — Backups are stored locally per device and iCloud is not a backup Use Time Machine or periodic exports so you have a copy outside Ulysses

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/sheets-disappeared

### Ulysses Doesn't Recognize My Subscription

Ulysses asks you to subscribe even though you paid. It's almost always an App Store sign-in mismatch: sign out of the App Store and back in with the account that bought the subscription, then restart the device.

1. **Re-sign in to the App Store on Mac** — Open the App Store Choose Store > Sign Out Choose Store > Sign In with the account tied to your Ulysses subscription Reopen Ulysses; if still not recognized, restart the Mac
2. **Re-sign in on iPhone/iPad** — Open Settings and tap your name Tap Media & Purchases > Sign Out Tap Media & Purchases again and sign in with the purchasing account Reopen Ulysses; if needed, force restart the device
3. **Check the subscription is still active** — Open your Apple Account's Subscriptions page and confirm Ulysses is active Student offers expire after 6 months and don't renew
4. **Update Ulysses** — Install the latest version from the App Store - 40.1 fixed the app getting stuck on the storefront after subscribing
5. **Contact support with Support Info** — Mac: Help > Copy Support Info iOS: Library > gear > Help & Support > Copy Support Info Email it to help@ulysses.app

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/subscription-not-recognized

### Ulysses Tables Not Working

Ulysses supports tables since version 27, but only in the Markdown XL markup. If (tbl) does nothing, convert the sheet to Markdown XL or assign the (tbl) tag in your custom markup.

1. **Switch to Markdown XL** — Mac: Edit > Convert Markup > Markdown XL iPhone/iPad: tap the ellipsis in the editor > Customize Editor > Markup > Markdown XL
2. **Insert the table** — Mac: type (tbl), use Insert > Table, or press Cmd-9 and pick (tbl) Table iPhone/iPad: type (tbl) or tap Insert above the keyboard > Table Click/tap the table header to change rows, columns and caption
3. **Fix custom markup (Mac)** — Ulysses > Settings > Markup > [your markup] Assign the (tbl) tag to tables
4. **Export to a supported format** — Use DOCX, PDF, HTML, ePub or Markdown - RTF doesn't support tables Replace placeholder text before exporting

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/tables-not-working

### Ulysses WordPress 'Failed to Connect' Error

Ulysses publishes to WordPress over XML-RPC. 'Failed to connect. Please verify the URL of your blog' usually means your host, server config or a security plugin blocks xmlrpc.php. Allow XML-RPC (and use HTTPS), then add the blog again.

1. **Enable XML-RPC on your host** — Check your hosting provider's docs for enabling XML-RPC Remove any nginx/Apache rule that denies access to xmlrpc.php Whitelist XML-RPC in your security plugin
2. **Rule out fail2ban or firewall blocks** — On one-click WordPress droplets, temporarily stop fail2ban and try connecting again If it works, add an exception for your IP
3. **Use HTTPS** — Make sure the site has a valid certificate and redirects HTTP to HTTPS Enter the https:// URL when adding the blog in Ulysses
4. **Update Ulysses** — Recent versions shipped WordPress login fixes - update from the App Store and retry

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ulysses/issues/wordpress-failed-to-connect

## Common problems

- **Apple-only: No Windows or Android versions** (usability): Ulysses is exclusive to Apple devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS). There are no Windows, Android, or Linux versions and no plans to create them. Writers with cross-platform needs or who work in mixed environments are completely excluded.
- **Controversial switch to subscription angered existing users** (pricing): Users who bought Ulysses at full price ($45-70) lost their perpetual license when developers switched to subscription. The backlash was significant - long-time users felt betrayed paying again for software they already owned.
- **Why is Ulysses so expensive? $40/year subscription for a writing app** (pricing): Ulysses costs $5.99/month or $39.99/year in the US (official pricing page, App Store). For writers who only need a focused editor, a recurring fee compares badly to one-time purchases such as Scrivener or iA Writer. Family Sharing (up to 5 extra members) softens it for households.
- **Ulysses not syncing between Mac and iPhone (iCloud)** (reliability): Sync relies entirely on Apple's iCloud Drive background services, so Ulysses can't force a sync. Mac Power Users threads report groups with sheets that never download, duplicated groups after conflicts and scene order breaking; fixes range from toggling iCloud to signing out of iCloud on all devices. Some users switched apps after repeated failures.
- **Ulysses sheets disappeared after sync problems** (reliability): Forum users report whole groups or book content vanishing from the library, usually tied to iCloud sync conflicts. Built-in backups are local to each device and are not iCloud backups; version 41.2 (Oct 2026) now keeps monthly backups indefinitely and retains more hourly/daily/weekly ones.
- **Features poorly explained with hidden menus** (usability): Features are poorly explained, if at all, and menus and buttons feel hidden. Users must rely on trial and error to discover functionality. The learning curve is steeper than the clean interface suggests.
- **Poor iPhone experience with cluttered interface** (mobile): The iPhone experience is subpar - menus look small and sheets appear cluttered. While iPad with keyboard works well, there's no saving grace for iPhone. Not ideal for mobile-first writers.
- **Ulysses perpetual license costs $199.99** (pricing): In 2026 Ulysses added a one-time Perpetual License ($199.99 in the App Store) with no trial. Users on Mac Power Users (Oct 2026) call it expensive and say they don't trust a 'lifetime' promise after the 2017 switch that moved earlier one-time buyers to subscriptions; the help page itself says new features can't be guaranteed indefinitely.
- **Slow development despite subscription revenue** (usability): Long-time users say updates are mostly bug fixes and minor integrations rather than major features. Recent 2026 releases did add project templates, Siri/AI support and longer backup retention, so the complaint has softened, but the perception persists among subscribers.
- **Flawed print/formatting for traditional publishing** (usability): An experienced author who produced nine books found Ulysses 'deeply flawed' for print publication, particularly with paragraph indentation handling. Not ideal for writers targeting traditional print formats.
- **Ulysses requires macOS 15.4 and iOS 26** (usability): The current version requires macOS 15.4+ and iOS/iPadOS 26+. Owners of older Macs or iPads can only get an older compatible build if they previously installed Ulysses on that OS with the same Apple Account; those builds miss new features.
- **Ulysses WordPress 'Failed to connect' error** (integrations): Publishing to self-hosted WordPress uses XML-RPC, which many hosts and security tools (fail2ban, security plugins, nginx rules) block. Users then get 'Failed to connect. Please verify the URL of your blog' and must enable XML-RPC or use a workaround file.
- **Ulysses tables only work in Markdown XL markup** (usability): Native tables arrived in version 27 (2022), but the (tbl) tag only works with the Markdown XL markup - not plain Markdown, Minimark or Textile'd - and tables don't export to RTF. Users on other markups think tables are missing; images and links still feel awkward compared with WYSIWYG editors.

## What users like

- **Distraction-free, focused writing environment**: Ulysses focuses on the actual writing page, keeping complementary features out of the way. Users report getting into flow state faster and spending less time organizing than writing compared to alternatives like Scrivener.
- **Excellent export capabilities**: Ulysses is objectively superior for exporting by a large margin. Supports PDF, ePub, DOCX, HTML, and direct publishing to WordPress, Medium, Ghost, and more. The export workflow is polished and flexible.
- **Clean Markdown-based writing**: Ulysses does a great job supporting Markdown formatting elements with a beautiful, clean interface. The writing experience is polished and intuitive for those familiar with Markdown.
- **Powerful organization with groups and filters**: The library system with groups, smart filters, and keywords helps organize long-form projects effectively. Better than basic folder structures for complex writing projects.
- **Seamless sync between Mac, iPad, and iPhone**: When working, iCloud sync keeps documents in sync across all Apple devices. Writers can move between devices and continue where they left off.

## Pricing

- **Monthly**: $5.99 (monthly) — hidden costs: Costs $71.88/year vs $39.99 on the yearly plan; auto-renews via App Store
- **Yearly**: $39.99 (yearly) — hidden costs: Auto-renews; cancel at least 24 hours before trial/renewal ends. Refunds only through Apple (reportaproblem.apple.com)
- **Perpetual License**: $199.99 (one_time) — hidden costs: No trial; equals ~5 years of the yearly plan
- **Student**: $10.99 (one_time) — hidden costs: Requires education verification; must be re-purchased every 6 months
- **Setapp Bundle**: $9.99 (monthly) — hidden costs: Requires a Setapp subscription

## Who should and shouldn't use it

- **Windows or Android users** — Avoid: Ulysses is Apple-exclusive with no Windows, Android, or web version. There are no plans to change this. Use Scrivener, iA Writer (has Windows), or other cross-platform alternatives.
- **Budget-conscious writers** — Avoid: At $39.99/year (or $199.99 once), Ulysses costs more than one-time editors like iA Writer or Scrivener. If you only need a clean Markdown editor, cheaper options cover it.
- **Writers needing tables and complex formatting** — Depends: Tables exist since version 27 but only in Markdown XL markup, and layout control for complex documents is limited. Fine for occasional tables; academic or technical writers may prefer Scrivener or Word.
- **Traditional print publishing authors** — Avoid: Ulysses has been called 'deeply flawed' for print publication by experienced authors. Paragraph indentation and formatting for traditional publishing has issues. Scrivener is better for this use case.
- **Apple-based long-form writers valuing focus** — Good fit: Ulysses excels at distraction-free long-form writing with excellent export options. If you're on Apple devices and value a clean writing environment over feature depth, it works beautifully.
- **Bloggers and online publishers** — Good fit: Direct publishing to WordPress, Medium, Ghost, and excellent ePub export make Ulysses ideal for digital publishing workflows. The export capabilities are industry-leading.
- **Setapp subscribers** — Good fit: If you already subscribe to Setapp, Ulysses is included at no extra cost. Great value if you use other Setapp apps - try Ulysses without additional payment.
- **Professional writers** — Good fit: Purpose-built for long-form writing. Manuscript management, publishing integration, and writing goals. Serious writers love Ulysses.
- **Engineering teams** — Avoid: Not designed for technical documentation or team work: no real collaboration and Apple-only. Engineers are better served by Obsidian or Notion.
- **Writers on older Macs or iPads** — Avoid: Current Ulysses needs macOS 15.4 or iOS/iPadOS 26. Older devices are stuck on old builds (only if previously installed).

## Alternatives

- **Scrivener** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/scrivener): Novelists switch for more manuscript power. Gain: better book organization, research management, one-time purchase. Trade-off: complex, dated UI.
- **iA Writer** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/ia-writer): Writers switch for a one-time purchase and plain-text files that work anywhere, including Windows. Gain: no lock-in, simpler pricing. Trade-off: no library/groups system like Ulysses.
- **Bear** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/bear): Apple users switch when they need note-taking more than manuscript management. Similar Markdown feel and design at a lower subscription price. Trade-off: weaker export and publishing.
- **Obsidian** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/obsidian): Writers wanting ownership switch to Obsidian. Gain: local files, cross-platform, free. Trade-off: not writing-focused, setup required.
- **Notion** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/notion): Writers switch when they need project management and collaboration alongside writing. More versatile but less focused writing experience. Free tier available.
- **Google Docs**: Writers switch when they need collaboration or Windows/Android access. Gain: free, real-time editing with editors. Trade-off: no distraction-free mode or Markdown publishing.

## FAQ

### Is Ulysses available on Windows or Android?

No. Ulysses is exclusive to Apple devices (Mac, iPad, iPhone) with no Windows, Android, or Linux versions. There are no announced plans to expand platform support. Windows users should consider Scrivener or iA Writer.

### How much does Ulysses cost in 2026?

In the US, Ulysses costs $5.99/month or $39.99/year, with a 7-day free trial. A one-time Perpetual License costs $199.99 (no trial). Students get 6 months for $10.99. Family Sharing covers up to 5 more people. It's also included in Setapp. Local prices may differ.

### Why did Ulysses switch to subscription?

In August 2017 Ulysses moved from one-time purchases to a subscription to fund ongoing development. Old one-time versions kept working but stopped receiving updates, which angered many owners. In 2026 the company added a $199.99 perpetual license alongside the subscription.

### Is Ulysses better than Scrivener?

Ulysses is better for a clean writing environment, Markdown and digital publishing. Scrivener is better for one-time pricing, Windows support, research-heavy projects and print manuscript formatting. Ulysses focuses on writing; Scrivener on project management.

### Does Ulysses support tables?

Yes, since version 27 (2022). Type (tbl) or use Insert > Table. Tables only work with the Markdown XL markup; switch via Edit > Convert Markup on Mac. Tables export to most formats except RTF.

### Is Ulysses worth the subscription?

If you write long-form on Apple devices and publish to blogs or ePub, $39.99/year is fair for the polish and export tools. If you need Windows, collaboration, or hate subscriptions, a one-time app like iA Writer or Scrivener is the better deal.

### Does Ulysses have a lifetime license?

Yes. Since 2026 Ulysses sells a Perpetual License for $199.99 in the App Store. It includes future updates, but Ulysses says it can't guarantee new features indefinitely and there is no trial.

### Does Ulysses have a free trial?

Yes. The monthly and yearly subscriptions include a 7-day free trial through the App Store. Cancel at least 24 hours before it ends to avoid being charged. The perpetual license has no trial.

### Why is Ulysses not syncing?

Ulysses syncs only through iCloud Drive. Check that every device uses the same Apple Account, that iCloud Drive and Ulysses are enabled under Apps Syncing to iCloud Drive, that iCloud storage isn't full, and restart the devices. Low Data Mode slows mobile sync.

### Can I share Ulysses with my family?

Yes. Subscriptions bought in the current Ulysses app support Apple Family Sharing for up to five other members. Purchases made in the old gray 'Ulysses Mobile' app don't.

### How do I cancel Ulysses and get a refund?

Subscriptions are billed by Apple. Cancel in App Store > Account Settings > Subscriptions (Mac) or Settings > your name > Subscriptions (iPhone/iPad). Request refunds at reportaproblem.apple.com; Apple decides, not Ulysses.

### Can I collaborate with others in Ulysses?

Not in real time. Ulysses is a single-writer app; sharing means exporting files or using shared external folders. Teams needing live co-editing should use Google Docs or Notion.

### What are the system requirements for Ulysses?

The current version needs macOS 15.4 or later and iOS/iPadOS 26 or later. On older systems you can only download an older compatible build if you installed Ulysses before with the same Apple Account.

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