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one note synching error on new iphone

Anonymous
2025-07-09T21:12:54+00:00

I have just changed my iPhone to iPhone 14. However I cannot access my data in the one note app on my new phone even though the data still exists online and on my other devices - iMac and iPad. my new phone shows the top level folder names but there is a synch error message when I try to open any folder

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-07-11T22:03:15+00:00

    Dear Ian,

    It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue. Have you had a chance to check the reply provided? If there’s anything else I can assist you with or if you need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to let me know, I’m here to help.
    Looking forward to hearing from you. Wishing you a great day ahead!

    Warm regards,

    Kai-L - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-07-09T21:20:14+00:00

    Dear Ian,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

    I understand you've recently upgraded to an iPhone 14, and it's disappointing to find that your OneNote data isn't syncing properly, even though it's perfectly accessible online and on your iMac and iPad. Seeing the top-level folders but getting a sync error when trying to open them indicates the problem is localized to your new iPhone's OneNote app and its connection.

    Since your data is safe and sound in the cloud and on your other devices, we can focus on troubleshooting the OneNote app on your new iPhone.

    Here are the steps I recommend, starting with the simplest and most effective:

    1.Basic Connectivity Checks:

    • Internet Connection: Ensure your iPhone 14 has a strong and stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Try accessing a website or another app to confirm general internet connectivity.
    • Restart OneNote App: Force close the OneNote app completely (swipe up from the bottom, then swipe the app preview up to dismiss it), and then reopen it.
    • Restart iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.

    2.Sign Out and Sign Back In to OneNote (Most Effective):

    This is often the most successful step for sync issues on new devices, as it forces a fresh authentication and re-initializes the sync process.

    • Open the OneNote app on your iPhone.
    • Tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner (or your profile picture/icon if visible).
    • Tap Settings.
    • Under Account, tap your listed account name.
    • Tap Sign Out (or Remove Account).
    • Close the app, then reopen it.
    • Tap Sign In and re-enter your Microsoft account credentials. Allow time for your notebooks to download and sync.

    3.Check iPhone Settings for OneNote:

    • Go to your iPhone Settings app.
    • Scroll down and tap on OneNote.
    • Ensure Cellular Data (if you use it for syncing) is enabled.
    • Look for an option like "Reset OneNote" or "Delete Login Credentials" (if present). If you find "Reset OneNote," toggling "Delete All Notebooks" off and on, or selecting "Reset OneNote" can sometimes clear local cache issues without affecting cloud data. Be careful not to delete all data if you see a warning about local-only notes, though in your case, all notes are online.

    4.Reinstall the OneNote App (Last Resort):

    • If the above steps don't work, a clean reinstallation can resolve corrupted app data or installation issues.
    • Long-press the OneNote app icon on your iPhone home screen until it jiggles.
    • Tap "Remove App" (or the "-" icon) and then "Delete App."
    • Go to the App Store and re-download the Microsoft OneNote app.
    • Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account. Your notebooks should begin to sync from the cloud.

    Given that your data is safe on your other devices and online, you can proceed with these steps confidently. One of them should get your OneNote working perfectly on your new iPhone. 

    If none of the above solutions work, let me know for further investigation. Please note that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

    Kind regards, 

    Kai-L - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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