iPad won't sync! No files showing!

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:26:47+00:00

Hi, I have a functional zotero on my mac and iphone and full library online. I have just upgraded my storage (in case this was the issue) and my library has synced from my phone and my mac. However, I have downloaded and tried to access zotero on my ipad (via the same app). Here, however, I am having issues. Yes, I logged into the right account and the app and ipad are up to date etc., but I cannot even find the sync button. It is not working to pull down on the library section, it does not even show a spinning wheel... Absolutely none of my files or collections are visible and I cannot see any way to improve things? Please help!

dstillman · 2026-10-29T17:28:24+00:00

The iOS app syncs automatically. What exactly do you mean by "Absolutely none of my files or collections are visible"? Can you provide a screenshot of the web library and the corresponding view of the iOS app? (You can email to support@zotero.org with a link to this thread if you don't want to post it publicly. We'll respond here either way.)

But in general, if you're talking about library data, see Changes Not Syncing. If you're talking about attachment files, see Files Not Syncing.

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:36:51+00:00

My library is just completely empty on my ipad. I will try to upload an image

dstillman · 2026-10-29T17:37:53+00:00

OK, so see Changes Not Syncing, and provide the requested Debug ID for pulling down on the items list to force a sync.

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:38:30+00:00

https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u8655884/i7miscwerm7yqd7xlata.png
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u8655884/0vltdn4vaoyi9fo8swkl.png

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:38:58+00:00

Hopefully you can see on the ipad screen there is not even a sync circle showing when I pull down

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:40:06+00:00

PS also i have been through everything on the 'changes not syncing' page

dstillman · 2026-10-29T17:40:46+00:00

I mean, you haven't, because you haven't yet provided the information it explicitly asks for.

dstillman · 2026-10-29T17:41:35+00:00

(And you have to pull down on the items list, not the collections pane, to force a sync for the Debug ID.)

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:43:48+00:00

Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude, I have been unable to get a debug ID as I have the same problem (aka nothing happens) when I pull down on the items list (Assuming the items list is the one with 'All items' listed at the top)

dstillman · 2026-10-29T17:44:20+00:00

The items list is on the right, not the left.

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:46:00+00:00

Interesting... I tried somethin different and now I have the debug ID D484381225

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:46:44+00:00

oohh i pulled down on the black space and it worked!
thank you!

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:46:57+00:00

Sorry, clearly a top example of idiocy moving between devices

rcrossley · 2026-10-29T17:47:06+00:00

(and a lot of stress)