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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchObsidian can be disrupted by sync conflicts, risky community plugins, storage failures or mistakes, and losing the password for an encrypted Sync vault. Those problems have different causes and recovery options. Obsidian’s documentation describes these failure modes, but does not establish that Obsidian commonly corrupts vaults.
Sync conflicts can change or replace files
A conflict can happen when the same file is edited on two devices before they synchronize—for example, while one device is offline. Obsidian Sync handles Markdown and other file types differently:
- Markdown notes: Sync attempts to merge concurrent edits using Google’s diff-match-patch algorithm. A merge may preserve both sets of edits, but can also create duplicate text or formatting that needs manual repair.
- Other files, including Canvas files: Sync uses last-modified-wins, so the newer version replaces the older one.
Starting with Obsidian 1.9.7, Sync offers an automatic merge option or “Create conflict file,” which preserves versions for manual comparison. The setting is per device, so choose it on every device you use. Check the Sync activity log and compare both versions when investigating unexpected changes. Obsidian’s conflict resolution guide explains the behavior.
Less obvious reasons files may disappear or change
Obsidian’s troubleshooting guide documents several scenarios: a remote copy arriving shortly after a note is created locally can replace the local version; File Recovery may still contain that local copy. Double-syncing can also cause files to disappear after restoration. Other documented possibilities include Windows Defender quarantining some notes containing code blocks, illegal filename characters, and Android or Google Photos changing received attachments. These are documented cases, not evidence that each occurs commonly on every system. Obsidian’s Sync troubleshooting guide covers them.
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Running two sync services can make recovery harder
Using Obsidian Sync alongside another service that synchronizes the same vault can create competing changes. Obsidian specifically identifies double-syncing as a cause of files disappearing after restoration. Avoid pointing multiple sync systems at the same vault unless you understand how each handles conflicts and deletions.
Community plugins run code with broad access
Community plugins are executable code, not just presentation settings. Obsidian says it cannot reliably restrict them to particular permissions: enabled plugins can access local files, connect to the internet, and install programs. Restricted Mode is enabled by default; when enabled, Obsidian ignores installed community plugins. To check whether a plugin is contributing to a problem, turn Restricted Mode on and see whether the issue persists. The plugin files remain in the vault.
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Obsidian automatically scans each community plugin version for vulnerabilities, code quality, and malware; plugin directory pages display scorecards, and manual reviews continue for popular, featured, and flagged plugins. Those safeguards do not eliminate the access risks. For sensitive data, Obsidian recommends an independent security audit before using a community plugin. See Obsidian’s plugin security guidance.
File Recovery helps with recent note changes, but is not a full backup
File Recovery keeps local snapshots outside the vault, in Obsidian’s global settings, and associates them with a note’s absolute path. By default, snapshots are saved at least five minutes apart and retained for seven days. They are device-specific and do not sync. Recovery supports only .md and .canvas files; moving a vault outside Obsidian’s vault switcher may make its old snapshots inaccessible. Read Obsidian’s File Recovery guide for details.
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Because the snapshots stay on one device and cover only those file types, they cannot replace a separate backup. They can be useful for retrieving a recent local version, but do not protect against loss of the device or every kind of vault data.
Sync and backup solve different problems
Sync propagates changes between devices; a backup preserves a separate copy for recovery. That distinction matters because sync can also propagate an unwanted deletion or edit. Obsidian recommends a one-way backup to another location, such as an external hard drive or SSD, USB flash drive, NAS, or a computer’s backup tool. Community options named in its guide include Obsidian Git and Local Backup.
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| Option | What it is for | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Sync | Propagates changes between devices. | Can propagate deletions or bad edits; it is not a separate recovery copy. |
| File Recovery | Provides recent local snapshots of Markdown and Canvas files. | Snapshots are device-specific, limited in file coverage, and retained for seven days by default. |
| Separate backup | Keeps a one-way copy in another location for recovery. | A drive can be lost or damaged; cloud backups involve access and security trade-offs. |
Choose a backup destination and routine that fit your needs, and verify that the copy is being created where expected. Obsidian’s recommendations and cautions are in its backup guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Losing the Sync encryption password can strand the remote vault
End-to-end encryption means only devices with the key can decrypt the vault contents. Obsidian cannot recover a lost encryption password or decrypt the remote data for you. Local copies are usually still available, but the remote vault remains encrypted and unusable without the password. Obsidian recommends making a complete local backup before creating a replacement remote vault. Its recovery sequence is to back up the vault, disconnect devices, create a new remote vault, then reconnect devices one at a time after each has synced. See Obsidian’s Sync security and privacy guidance.
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