How to Fix Common Issues with GoodNotes Writing Tools

GoodNotes is a powerful note-taking app that leverages cloud storage, such as iCloud, to ensure your notes are synchronized across devices. However, users sometimes encounter syncing issues, which can result in missing documents, delayed updates, or unsaved work. If you're facing syncing problems in GoodNotes, there are several effective troubleshooting steps you can take to get things back on track.

1. Check iCloud Sync Settings

iCloud is the backbone of GoodNotes’ syncing functionality, so ensuring that iCloud sync is enabled is the first step in resolving syncing issues. If this setting is disabled, your notes will not sync across devices.

• Fix: Navigate to Settings > GoodNotes and verify that iCloud sync is enabled. You should also check iCloud settings by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and make sure that GoodNotes is toggled on to allow cloud synchronization​.

2. Verify iCloud Storage Space

iCloud sync can fail if your iCloud storage is full, as there will be no room left for new backups or document syncing.

• Fix: Check your available iCloud storage by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. If your storage is full, consider upgrading your iCloud plan or deleting unnecessary files to free up space​.

3. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Syncing issues are often caused by poor internet connectivity. A slow or unstable connection can prevent GoodNotes from completing the sync process, especially when dealing with large files.

• Fix: Make sure you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. If you're using cellular data, check for a strong signal. You can also try restarting your router or switching to a different network to improve stability​.

4. Force Quit and Restart GoodNotes

If syncing issues persist despite a stable internet connection and enabled iCloud settings, restarting the app can help. Force quitting and reopening GoodNotes can clear temporary glitches that might be affecting syncing.

• Fix: On your iPad, double-click the Home button (or swipe up on newer models) to bring up the app switcher. Swipe GoodNotes off the screen to close it, then reopen the app and check if the sync process resumes normally​.

5. Check for App and iOS Updates

Using outdated versions of GoodNotes or iOS can cause syncing problems. Developers frequently release updates that address bugs related to cloud storage and synchronization.

• Fix: Go to the App Store to check for any updates to GoodNotes. Also, ensure that your iOS is up to date by going to Settings > General > Software Update​.

6. Re-sign into iCloud

If you continue experiencing syncing issues, signing out and back into iCloud can refresh the connection and potentially resolve the problem.

• Fix: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out and then sign back in. This can help restore your connection to iCloud and fix syncing issues​.

7. Manually Sync Your Documents

If automatic syncing fails, you can try manually triggering a sync in GoodNotes. This method ensures that your recent changes are backed up to iCloud.

• Fix: In GoodNotes, go to Settings > Backup & Sync and tap Sync Now. If the manual sync works but automatic syncing doesn't, there may be an issue with the app's background syncing settings​.

8. Check iCloud System Status

Occasionally, iCloud services experience downtime that may affect syncing capabilities in GoodNotes. If iCloud is temporarily unavailable, syncing and backups may be delayed.

• Fix: Visit the Apple System Status page to check if there are any ongoing issues with iCloud services. If there's an outage, you’ll need to wait for Apple to resolve it before syncing resumes​.

9. Reinstall GoodNotes

As a last resort, reinstalling GoodNotes can clear up any persistent syncing issues caused by corrupted app data or settings. Before doing this, make sure all your documents are backed up to iCloud or exported to a safe location.

• Fix: Delete GoodNotes from your device, then reinstall it from the App Store. Once reinstalled, open GoodNotes and check if the syncing issue is resolved​.

10. Contact GoodNotes Support

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact GoodNotes support for further assistance. Their team can help troubleshoot more specific syncing problems.

• Fix: Visit the GoodNotes support page or contact them directly through the app for personalized help​.

Conclusion

Syncing issues in GoodNotes can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most problems. Whether it’s ensuring iCloud sync is enabled, checking your internet connection, or reinstalling the app, these solutions will help ensure your notes are properly synced and backed up. If the issue persists, don't hesitate to reach out to GoodNotes support for further assistance.