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    Contents
    • Getting Started
      • Add files to Documents
      • Create a folder or a subfolder in Documents
      • How to rename, move, and delete your files
      • Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages
    • Using Documents
      • Supported file formats
      • Create a new file in Documents
      • Create a folder or a subfolder in Documents
      • Copy, move, rename, delete, restore, or compress files and folders
      • Customize the view of your files
      • Use search in Documents
      • Access recently opened and favorite files
      • Organize your files with Inbox
      • Enhance your files with Tools
      • Set up reminders for your files
      • Access your device files via the Files app folder
      • Documents internal web browser
      • Download files from the Internet
      • Save links in Documents
      • Why VPN?
      • Use VPN in Documents
      • Documents VPN provider & Privacy
      • Share files via the Share button
      • Save files from other apps to Documents via Extension
      • Transfer files from Safari to Documents
      • Transfer files between iOS device and desktop using Wi-Fi
      • Transfer files to another iOS device with Nearby
      • Transfer files to desktop or another iPhone/iPad with WebDAV
      • Share files with Android devices
      • iTunes file sharing
      • Share files from cloud via a link
      • Transfer files between Documents and your Mac using a USB cable
      • Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages
      • Sync a folder with the 2-way sync
      • Set up sync with Mac via SFTP
      • Connect to your Mac or PC via SMB
      • Time Capsule set up
      • Siri shortcuts in Documents
      • Documents widgets
      • Quick Actions
      • Quickly scroll to the top
      • Smart Actions in Documents
      • Use iOS Live Text in Documents
      • How to set password to the app
      • Documents Widgets in Control Center
      • iPhone Mirroring in Documents
    • Troubleshooting
      • Files look broken
      • Music stops when the screen is locked
      • Documents app quits unexpectedly
      • Documents app freezes
      • Sync issues
      • There is no Documents app in the 'Open In' menu
      • Annotations are not visible in Documents while working with a third-party app
      • Restore accidentally deleted files
      • VPN-related issues
      • Wi-Fi Transfer issues
      • Can't access a password protected app
      • Email can’t be sent
      • The app occupies too much space
      • Subscription issues
      • Battery usage and background activity of the app
      • Music skips while playing
    • Billing & Subscription
      • Upgrade to Documents Plus
      • How to cancel the free trial for Documents Plus
      • How to check and manage your subscription status
      • Refund processes in Documents
    • Privacy & Data
      • Documents privacy FAQ
    • Contact us
    Home Troubleshooting Sync issues

    Sync issues

    If you have sync issues in the Documents app, there are some steps you can take in order to troubleshoot the problem. 

    Step 1

    First, please make sure you have a stable network connection. Try disabling the Wi-Fi, enabling it again, then open Documents > Synced folder > pull down to refresh and trigger the sync process.

    Note: The background sync is not supported for now; however, if you leave the app running in the background when the previous sync hasn't finished, the app will continue the previous sync process when you launch the app anew.

    Step 2

    If the sync issue persists, try disconnecting the cloud storage account from the app and connecting it anew. Please note that, in this case, you will need to re-sync all the folders from that connection.

    To disconnect the storage from the app:

    1. Before deleting anything, please make sure that the file copies are saved for safety.
    2. Find your cloud storage folder in the My Filessection in Documents.
    3. Tap three dots on the folder.
    4. Tap Delete (if some changes were not synced to the server, save the file's copy locally).

    To set up the connection anew:

    1. Tap the Plus button  > Add Connection.
    2. Choose the needed storage.
    3. Sign in again.

    Then, retry to sync your folders again to see if it helps.

    Step 3

    If you're using Dropbox:

    Dropbox sync errors can be caused by the specific copyrighted file if its sharing is restricted by Dropbox's copyright policy.

    If you sync a file and its sharing is restricted by Dropbox copyright policy, you will see an exclamation mark on the folder and a Restricted content error on the file thumbnail. You have several alternatives: remove the file from the folder to eliminate the error message, don't sync the problematic file, or move the file to another folder on Dropbox.    

    If you're having trouble adding a OneDrive for Business account:

    If your account uses conditional access, the admin of your organization should configure the rights for your account - you can refer to this article for the instructions.

    Sometimes, you may require administrative consent to add a OneDrive connection - you can learn more about the permissions here.

    To help us with further investigation, please also try these steps: 

    1. Please try connecting to your account using the OneDrive app.
    2. Try connecting to your account in Documents Settings  >  Clouds & Connections > SharePoint tab.

    If you're using other services:

    Some cloud services impose special character restrictions for the names of files and folders. Using such special characters might lead to sync errors. If restricted characters are used in the titles of files and folders, you will see an exclamation mark on the folder and an unknown error on the file thumbnail. Please check your cloud service support section for more information on special character limitations.

    If you're connecting by using any supported protocols (WebDAV, SMB, FTP, SFTP), please keep in mind that the credentials are case-sensitive. 

    Step 4: Contact Us

    1. Open Documents Settings  > Support.
    2. Please try to reproduce the issue if possible. Alternatively, please let the app run for several minutes.
    3. Tap Send feedback. Screenshots illustrating the errors you’re getting (if there are any) will help us see the situation more clearly.
    Was this article helpful for you? Yes No
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