GoodNotes Not Syncing to Mac: 3 Easy Ways to Fix It!

How does GoodNotes sync between Apple devices?

GoodNotes is a versatile note-taking app for Apple devices, designed to enhance productivity and creativity with features like responsive handwriting support, OCR for searchable text, and extensive annotation tools.

To keep notes updated across devices, you should take advantage of iCloud. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign into the same iCloud account (which is your Apple ID).

2. Enable iCloud Drive:

• iPadOS/iOS: Open the Settings app on your device, go to Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive, and enable "Sync this iPad/iPhone". Then, tap "Apps Syncing to iCloud Drive" and also enable "GoodNotes" in the list.
• macOS: Open System Settings, go to Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive, and enable "Sync this Mac". Then click "Apps syncing to iCloud Drive" and also enable "GoodNotes" in the list.

3. Open GoodNotes, click/tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Library view > Cloud & Backup > Cloud Sync and enable "Use iCloud to Sync Documents."

Note: I use GoodNotes 6 here. The option names may vary in other versions of GoodNotes.

Why GoodNotes not syncing across devices?

Understanding the reasons behind syncing issues can help you identify and fix the problem efficiently. Here are some common causes why GoodNotes may not sync to your Mac:

👉 Network Connectivity Issues: One of the primary reasons for syncing problems is unstable or poor network connectivity. If either your iPad/iPhone or Mac has a weak Wi-Fi signal, the syncing process can be disrupted.

👉 iCloud Storage and Account Problems: GoodNotes uses iCloud to sync notes across devices. Any issues related to your iCloud account or storage can affect this process.

👉 Software Updates and Compatibility: Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues, causing syncing problems between GoodNotes and your Mac.

How to fix GoodNotes not syncing to Mac

If you're experiencing issues with GoodNotes 5 or GoodNotes 6 not syncing to your Mac, don't worry. Below are detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve this problem effectively.

👉 Fix 1: Check network connection
👉 Fix 2: Verify iCloud settings
👉 Fix 3: Update/Reinstall GoodNotes
👉 Recommend: Best free file sync software for Mac🔥

Fix 1: Check network connection

GoodNotes relies heavily on a robust internet connection to sync data via iCloud. Here's how you can ensure your network is not the culprit:

• Verify Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your Mac is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Unstable or slow connections can hinder the syncing process.
• Restart Your Device: Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off your Mac, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
• Check Router Settings: Ensure your router is functioning correctly. Restarting the router or checking for firmware updates might help in resolving any underlying network issues.

Fix 2: Verify iCloud settings

Since GoodNotes uses iCloud for syncing, incorrect iCloud settings can cause syncing issues. Follow these steps to verify and correct your settings:

1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click your name at the top of the sidebar, then click iCloud.

2. Check if you have enough iCloud storage. If your storage is full, click Manage > Change Storage Plan or Add Storage to buy more storage.

3. Under Apps Using iCloud, click iCloud Drive.

4. Click "Apps syncing to iCloud Drive" and ensure GoodNotes is enabled in the list.

Fix 3: Update/Reinstall GoodNotes

Outdated software can often lead to compatibility issues. Make sure you have the latest versions of GoodNotes installed:

1. Open the App Store. In the sidebar, click Updates.

2. Click Update next to GoodNotes if it is available.

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, reinstalling GoodNotes might help. This process can fix any corrupted files or settings causing the sync problem.

1. Backup your notes before uninstalling.

• In GoodNotes, go to Settings > Cloud & Backup.
• Click Manual Backup Documents > Done to backup your latest notes.

2. Drag the GoodNotes app to the Trash and empty the Trash.

3. Open the App Store, search for GoodNotes, and reinstall it.

4. After reinstalling, restore your notes from the backup you created earlier.

Recommend: Best free file sync software for Mac

Errors can strike your Mac unexpectedly, making it crucial to back up your important data. AOMEI Backupper Mac, the top free Mac sync software, is here to help. It enables you to sync files and folders between various locations, offering a reliable backup solution.

💜Multiple sync types: You can sync files from source to destination with Basic Sync or Mirror Sync. You can also sync files both sides with Two-Way Sync.
💜Various sync source and destination: You can select folders on the local disk, external hard drive, network location or NAS device as the sync source or destination.
💜Automatic sync: The program offers 5 schedule modes to help you sync folders automatically, including Once, Hourly, Daily, Weekly and Monthly.
💜System compatibility: It runs smoothly on macOS 14/13/12/11/10.15.

Don't wait - download AOMEI Backupper Mac and give it a try today!

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To sync Mac folders using AOMEI Backupper, click New Task in the main interface. Then, choose sync type > select sync source/destination. Finally, click Sync to run the task.

Conclusion

Ensuring that GoodNotes syncs smoothly to your Mac is essential for maintaining productivity and accessibility across your devices. By understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the GoodNotes not syncing to Mac issue easily and enjoy a seamless experience.

Besides, you can run free file sync on Mac with the best folder sync app for Mac – AOMEI Backupper. It enables you to transfer files between Macs, from Mac to external drive and from Mac to NAS device, etc. Just explore it by yourself!