Troubleshooting

Common questions and how to resolve them. For a full feature FAQ, see Shortcuts & FAQ.

Sync

My notes aren't syncing between devices

• Make sure both devices are signed into the same iCloud account. Sync follows your iCloud account — there's no in-app switch.
• Open Settings → Sync Health and check iCloud Connection. If it says Not Signed In or Restricted, fix it in your system iCloud settings.
• If Sync Configuration reports a missing zone, use its Fix action.
• Sync runs in the background and isn't instant; give a new device time to download.

Sync Health shows a warning

Warnings (orphaned attachments, in-progress cleanup) are often temporary — a device mid-sync is normal. Re-check after sync settles. Persistent errors are worth reading in full; each check explains what it found.

"Rebuild from iCloud" — should I use it?

Only as a last resort for a truly stuck device. It wipes local data and re-downloads from iCloud; unsynced local changes are lost (Jotaid backs up first). If in doubt, export a backup yourself before trying it.

Backups

I forgot my backup password

There is no recovery. Backup encryption derives its key from your password, so a lost password means the backup can't be opened. Always store backup passwords somewhere safe.

Importing a backup didn't restore everything

Import merges into your current library and can finish as a partial success — for example, some attachments may be missing. Check the import report for details.

Import & Export

My Markdown folder imported into the wrong structure

Folder import maps structure automatically: the folder becomes a Project, top-level subfolders become Themes, and deeper subfolders fold in as #tags. Arrange your folders that way before importing.

Some files were skipped on import

Files over ~10 MB or that aren't UTF-8 text are skipped and listed in the import report.

My exported file is missing images

Exports contain text only. To move notes and attachments together, use an encrypted backup instead. See Sync, Backup & Export.

AI

"Invalid API key"

Re-check that you pasted the full key with no trailing spaces, and that the key has quota/credit on the provider's side. See AI Setup.

AI results are empty or cut off

The model is likely too small for the task. Switch to a larger model, or a provider with a higher output limit.

I can't find the AI settings

AI is a Pro feature. Unlock Pro first; the AI configuration area appears only after unlocking. See Unlock Pro.

Getting Around

I can't switch views on iPhone

On iOS there are no keyboard shortcuts. Open the left drawer (hamburger icon) and tap List, Canvas, or Node. See macOS & iOS.

The app opened to a blank screen / a capture box

That's expected on first launch — Jotaid starts empty, and iOS lands on Quick Note. See First Launch.