Apple Notes File Structure/Hierarchy Not Syncing Properly on MacBook Pro

Question

Level 1

4 points

Apple Notes File Structure/Hierarchy Not Syncing Properly on MacBook Pro

I just purchased a MackBook Pro M1 Pro (Sonoma 14.5) and the notes from iCloud are all synced to the MacBook, but many of the subfolders are not in the same location as my iPad 2022 Pro (iPadOS 17.6.1) and iPhone 14 Pro (iOS 17.6.1).

I have tried removing Notes from iCloud sync on the MacBook and syncing them again, but the subfolders are still scattered about and not in their proper directories.

I have the same Apple ID on all devices, and I'm using the same WiFi when trying to sync.

Have I missed a setting somewhere? Or, is this an iCloud problem?

Any help appreciated

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Oct 3, 2024 2:30 AM

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Answer 1

AlWeir

Level 4

3,248 points

Oct 3, 2024 9:34 AM in response to here2gethelp

I would check your Settings for Notes on all devices to make sure that the settings all line up. If they differ on one device it will effect on how Notes are arranged.

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Answer 2

here2gethelp Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 3, 2024 7:13 PM in response to AlWeir

Thank you. I looked, and the settings seem to be the same on all devices. Still have the same problem. I even tried turning off Notes syncing all my devices, and physically turning them off. The MacBook file structure still doesn’t sync up right.

I’ve only been using Apple products for about a year and a half now, so it is possible I am missing something.

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Answer 3

here2gethelp Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 13, 2024 4:52 AM in response to here2gethelp

My solution, in case anyone else has a similar problem.

TL;DR Moved all my notes to my "On My iPad" account, un-synced all my devices, deleted ALL my notes in iCloud, then moved all my notes back to iCloud, and one-by-one, re-synced all my devices

Found an article somewhere that talked about how to backup notes locally on iPad, and moved all my notes to my "On My iPad" account. Then, unsynced all 5 of my devices (phone, iPad, and Macs), and deleted all of my notes from iCloud. Finally, I moved all my note folders back to iCloud from my iPad and turned on sync to iCloud on one device at a time until every device had my notes again, AND in the correct file hierarchy.

Maybe this will help someone else.

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Answer 4

here2gethelp Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 3, 2024 9:45 PM in response to here2gethelp

Update: after unsyncing and re-syncing notes on my iPhone, the iPhone note structure is now also incorrectly structured.

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