Sync problems
Fix auth lost, network errors, auto-sync failures, and delayed retries in the extension and PDF viewer.
Cloud sync usually runs automatically. When something fails, the extension shows a toast or sync indicator state — this guide explains each message and what to do.
Sync indicator states
Click the sync icon (top of sidebar) for status:
| Tooltip | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sync: Synced | Up to date |
| Sync: Pending changes (click Sync Now) | Local edits waiting to upload |
| Sync: Failed (click Sync Now) | Last sync failed — click to retry |
| Sync: Not active | Logged out or sync disabled |
| Sync: Not active (click to login) | Tap to open login |
Manual sync: click the sync icon when you have pending changes.
Initial sync failed
After login or activation, sync may fail with:
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| Can't reach the server. Check your connection, then Retry or Dismiss to keep working locally. | Check Wi‑Fi or VPN; click Retry |
| Server error. Retry, or dismiss to continue with local highlights. | Wait and Retry; highlights stay local |
| Sync failed. Retry, or dismiss to continue with local highlights. | Retry; if it persists, see Contact support |
Dismiss unlocks the sidebar and lets you keep highlighting locally.
Auth lost
Cloud sync stopped — you signed out in another tab.You signed out in another browser tab or the dashboard. Sign in from the extension again.
Auto-sync failed
After several automatic retries:
Auto-sync failed. Click Sync Now to retry.Click the sync icon to run Sync Now manually.
Auto-sync retries up to 5 times with increasing delays (about 1s to 16s). Keep the tab open while retrying.
Delayed retry (still trying)
Sync delayed — retrying automatically. Keep this tab open to ensure changes are saved to cloud.Sync is still retrying — leave the tab open. This message is throttled to once per 30 seconds per page.
Sync conflicts and Trash
Different issues — not general sync failures:
- This page changed elsewhere. Refresh and reactivate the extension to sync with cloud. → Sync conflicts
- Page is in Trash → Pages in Trash
PDF viewer
The PDF viewer shows the same sync messages in the toolbar status area. Use Refresh highlights from the Options menu after fixing connection issues.